Formula One and DHL announce huge results with new biofuel trucks
After the European leg of the 2023 F1 season came to a close, Formula 1 announced that DHL’s new fleet of trucks running on biofuel reduced carbon emissions by an average of 83% compared to fuel-driven trucks, across this year's European races.
In 2019, Formula 1 launched its plan to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030. The sport produced an estimated 256,551 tons of carbon emissions during the 2019 championship.
Since then, Formula One implemented various measures to reduce the emission: introducing remote broadcast operations that are projected to reduce event carbon emission by 7%; redesigning freight containers to enable more efficient aircraft usage; transitioning to 100% renewable energies at F1’s offices, delivering sustainable and carbon-neutral broadcast productions and issuing guidelines to campaign for sustainable racing sports to the audience concerning energy, plastic and waste, well-being and nature, and travel.
Formula One's logistic partner, DHL introduced 18 new trucks that were powered by HVO100 drop-in fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and travelled over 10,600 km, transporting an average of 300 tonnes of freight per race. These trucks were in action in the summer races of the European leg of the current season.
The biofuel-driven trucks maintain the same level of performance in terms of load capacity and travel distance as their diesel counterparts and all trucks in the DHL fleet are equipped with GPS to monitor fuel consumption and optimise more efficient routes.
The use of biofuel will continue into 2024 and beyond, with the data "from this summer providing invaluable insight as Formula 1 and DHL explore further opportunities and sustainable innovations as the sport moves towards being Net Zero by 2030," the F1's statement read.
The 2026 season will see Formula One introduce the next-generation hybrid engine while the sport will also debut advanced sustainable fuel. In 2023, F1's two main feeder series, the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships have been powered by 55% sustainable fuel in partnership with Aramco.
Commenting on the announcement, Ellen Jones, Head of Environment, Social and Governance at Formula 1 said: “It is great to see how our logistics operations can transform to achieve our Net Zero by 2030 goal.
"Reductions such as 83% with the use of the biofuel-powered trucks provide a fantastic platform to build upon, which we will analyse and then continue to deliver in our 2024 season, ensuring that these savings move from a single initiative to business-as-usual carbon reductions. Transport and logistics make up a significant portion of our carbon footprint in our sport, and it is crucial to have likeminded partners like DHL that are committed to working with us to drive these down and help us realise our Net Zero target.”
Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsports Logistics said: "The introduction of 18 new biofuel-powered trucks this season marks a significant stride towards a more sustainable future for both Formula 1 and DHL. Achieving an 83% average reduction is a remarkable accomplishment, and we take great pride in it. As the Official Logistics Partner for Formula 1 and a leader in green logistics, we are pleased to contribute to Formula 1's sustainability goals.”
