F1 reports 35% cut in emissions as sport accelerates toward net zero carbon target

Formula 1 continues to make strong progress on its long-term sustainability roadmap, with the championship steadily advancing toward its ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Although the target date is approaching rapidly, the sport remains on track to meet the environmental objectives established by Formula 1 leadership several years ago.

According to the latest environmental impact report, Formula 1 has already reduced its overall CO₂ emissions by 35% compared to 2018 levels. This represents a net decrease of approximately 80,000 tonnes between the 2018 and 2025 seasons, a figure equivalent to an estimated 500 million kilometres of air travel or around 100,000 one-way flights between London and New York.

The push to reduce emissions has accelerated year after year, supported in part by the regionalisation of the Formula 1 calendar. In 2025 alone, the championship recorded a further 12% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the previous season, highlighting the increasing effectiveness of its sustainability strategy.

Importantly, these figures cover not only the Grands Prix themselves but the entire operational footprint of a Formula 1 weekend. This includes the transport of personnel, global freight logistics, and the broadcasting infrastructure required to deliver the sport to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

What has been achieved and what comes next

The goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions remains highly ambitious, and the timeframe leading up to 2030 is becoming increasingly tight. It is important to clarify that “net zero carbon” does not mean eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions entirely. Instead, it refers to balancing the emissions produced with equivalent reductions or offsets, resulting in an overall neutral environmental impact.

This balance can be achieved through direct reductions in CO₂ output as well as compensation measures, such as investment in carbon capture technologies and other environmental projects designed to counteract unavoidable emissions.

In the coming years, Formula 1 plans to shift more than 50% of its freight away from air transport, increasing the use of sea freight wherever possible. At the same time, the championship will continue developing regional operational hubs to reduce long-distance logistical movements and improve efficiency across global shipping operations.

Further investment is also being directed toward sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon marine fuel technologies, which are expected to significantly reduce the environmental impact of Formula 1 logistics over the long term.

Looking at the detailed breakdown, the report highlights a 64% reduction in CO₂ emissions from team factories compared to 2018. Emissions linked to personnel travel have decreased by 27%, while logistics-related emissions have dropped by 29%.

Despite an increase in the number of races from 21 in 2018 to 24 in 2025, emissions related to race organisation have still fallen by 6%, underlining the efficiency gains achieved across the sport.

In addition, Formula 1 has expanded its use of cleaner energy sources across race weekends, including biofuels, solar power systems, and battery storage solutions to support paddock operations at all European Grands Prix.

Stefano Domenicali on Formula 1’s sustainability progress

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the ongoing progress made by the championship, emphasising the collective effort behind the sustainability programme and the importance of delivering measurable results.

Stefano Domenicali stated: “In Formula 1, we act and demonstrate our results with facts, not just words, and I am incredibly proud that we are still on track to reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2030, thanks to the collective effort of the entire Formula 1 world aimed at reducing our environmental impact.”

He continued: “From the streamlining of the calendar to increased investment in sustainable fuels and alternative energy solutions, we have reduced our ecological footprint while this sport continues to grow and reach new audiences around the world. I would like to thank the FIA, all Formula 1 teams, our broadcasters, partners, promoters and, of course, our own team for their shared commitment and for continuing to drive this project forward together.”