Doha – Formula 1 has expanded its commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a new programme with Qatar Airways, its Global Partner. This initiative follows F1’s earlier SAF investment alongside DHL, forming a broader framework that engages F1 teams and the FIA in the shift towards sustainable fuels.
The partnership makes F1 the first member of Qatar Airways’ SAF programme and sets a precedent for advancing commercial-scale SAF use. By leveraging SAF in its logistics operations, F1 expects to reduce emissions by over 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in 2024, an approximate 19% reduction compared to traditional aviation fuel for the air freight charter programme used in flyaway races.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, emphasized the sport’s holistic approach: “Through collaboration with our teams, the FIA, and our partners, we are delivering on our promises to drive down the sport’s carbon emissions and drive forward technologies that can have an impact beyond Formula 1.”
SAF’s Role in Formula 1’s Sustainability Strategy
The partnership aligns with F1’s long-term goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030, which includes a 50% emissions reduction versus the 2018 baseline. SAF is a critical element of this strategy, enabling substantial lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reductions.
In 2024, Qatar Airways also completed an additional SAF purchase, cutting 19,000 tCO2e. The airline’s SAF programme offers its partners an opportunity to integrate low-carbon fuels into their operations, helping to scale sustainable solutions across the aviation industry.
“This is the latest example of how stakeholders across the sport are aligned with our vision for a more sustainable F1, which we are thrilled to see,” added Jones.
Broader Sustainability Measures
Formula 1’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond SAF. By 2026, all F1 cars will use 100% advanced sustainable fuel, with F2 and F3 adopting the standard by next season. Off the track, European Grands Prix are already powered by biofuel trucks and will see further emissions cuts with low-carbon solutions from Aggreko starting in 2025.
Additionally, F1 is redesigning its calendar and logistics to optimize race flow and reduce freight emissions. For example, Canada’s Grand Prix will move to May, while Monaco shifts to June, beginning in 2026. Redesigned cargo containers and the use of more efficient Boeing 777 aircraft have also contributed to a 17% emissions reduction in freight logistics.
