Formula One’s Push for Sustainability in the Automotive Industry

There are a couple of main reasons why Formula One should critically promote innovation and sustainability within the motorsports world, such as for the purpose of safety innovation and fuel efficiency. By driving advancements in vehicle performance, developing eco-friendly technologies and setting new standards, Formula One is making impactful changes that help to influence other motorsport competitions to follow in F1’s footsteps.

(Image Credit to F1)

Safety Innovations 

Safety in Formula One, and any other motorsport category, is extremely crucial as it reduces the risk of injuries to everyone involved in a Grand Prix weekend, but most importantly, injury to drivers, including those to the neck, head and limbs. As mentioned, this risk reduction also helps to protect marshals, pit wall and pit lane crew along with everyone around the garages and the circuit. To uphold its standard, safety in Formula One is constantly evolving. When Formula One first started in 1950, the drivers used cloth caps paired with goggles as helmets. Whilst this would protect them from dirt and insects, it would not compare to the safety provided by modern-day helmets.

(Image Credit to F1)

After 2 years of being a competitive motorsport competition, cork helmets became mandatory to wear in 1952 for all drivers. Throughout the 50s, drivers were also allowed to wear their own choice of clothing, with t-shirts being the most popular choice among drivers as some races were too hot for long-sleeved tops. However, in 1963, the FIA made overalls crucial and obligatory to wear and by 1975, fire-resistant requirements were made mandatory. 

(Image Credit to Autosport)

In another act to increase safety, the FIA has introduced pit lane speed limits after horrifying scenes at Imola in 1994, which saw Roland Ratzenberger killed during qualifying while turning into the Villeneuve Kink at 195mph. Less than 24 hours after this tragic incident, talented driver Ayrton Senna passed away in a fatal crash, causing a stronger push for increased safety measures in Formula One. The pit lane speed limit was introduced to protect those who work in the pit lane and to protect the drivers from something like this happening again. 

(Image Credit to Road and Track)

Finally, the introduction of the halo has arguably been the biggest change to safety in Formula One. After the tragic death of Jules Bianchi in 2014, cockpit protection was placed under a spotlight by the motorsport world. After several more incidents, including fatal incidents which saw the passing of young talents Anthonie Hubert and Diliano van’t Hoff, the pressure was piling up for changes to ensure driver protection. As a result of these pressures, the halo was brought in as a mandatory structure to all F1 cars. The idea of the halo is to protect drivers' heads and bodies from large parts of debris, crashes with other machinery and in the case of being flipped upside-down. 

Many of these changes throughout the years have been designed with the environment in mind, promoting different safety structures to be built with sustainable materials which also benefit racing. Carbon Fibre, for example, is better for the environment, strong enough to ensure driver protection and also lighter in weight which improves fuel efficiency and performance.

Fuel Efficiency

Along with safety innovations, fuel efficiency also plays a huge part in promoting sustainability. Fuel efficiency isn't just a slogan, it is an important component of the sport that directly impacts race strategies and performance. As the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One is making large steps to make its cars more fuel-efficient and considerate of the environment. For example, Formula One’s push to hit net-zero carbon by 2030 and to reach 100% sustainable fuels by next year demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. There are several key components that Formula One is using to become more fuel efficient, including Hybrid power units, energy recovery systems, fuel flow restrictions, aerodynamic enhancements, and the use of sustainable fuels.

Hybrid power units;

Formula One cars are powered by what is named a hybrid engine system. This combines an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), along with an electric motor and battery. This means that cars rely less on fuel compared to a total combustion engine model.

Energy recovery system;

This type of system harvests kinetic energy otherwise lost under braking and converts it to power the car. It also exhausts heat which is known as the Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H).

Fuel flow restrictions;

Now, this particular regulation means that it limits the amount of fuel that can be used per race. This means that teams will need to strategize and encourage each other to develop more efficient engines, along with aerodynamics packages, in order to stay within regulations.

Enhanced aerodynamics;

Enhancing aerodynamics, caused by competition between teams and regulation changes, mean that teams must focus on the development of their aerodynamic teams in order to reduce drag on their car. Reduced drag allows for cars to experience increased downforce and, therefore, travel faster. This causes for less reliance on the motor and fuel in order to achieve a quicker racing time.

Sustainable fuels;

Formula One, as we know, is slowly but surely transitioning into using more sustainable fuel. If and when successful, this would include biofuels along with synthetic fuels. These initiatives would help to reduce the carbon emissions currently being released as a result of Formula One’s current fuel choice.

(Image Credit to Aston Martin on X)

In conclusion, F1 has taken a big step forward in improving these parameters, but can they do anything more for the sport? 

Article written by Evelyn Gibson and Alice Seager ©️Alice Seager 2025