With Yas Marina Circuit set to welcome the F1 entourage, the drive to survive is well and truly on
F1 is undoubtedly one of the biggest sporting events that is under the microscope when it comes to carbon emissions, and rightly so. With an entourage that is transported to 23 different destinations around the world every year, it is easy to see why.
Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi is all set on the eve of the highly anticipated event, but what have chiefs at F1 been doing to address climate change issues and how have they been playing their part in terms of sustainability?
The latest measures implemented in F1’s ‘drive to survive’ campaign were rolled out in 2022 with the aim of going completely green by 2030.
Throughout its history, F1 has tried to pioneer numerous technologies and innovations that have positively contributed to society and helped to combat carbon emissions.
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From ground-breaking aerodynamics to improved brake designs, the progress led by F1 teams has benefited millions of cars on the road today.
Back in 2019, F1 released a report based on sustainability with a view to clamping down on carbon emissions. It stated that the sport produces 256,000 tons of CO2 each year yet interestingly enough, only 0.7 per cent of this actually comes from cars.
Launching F1s first-ever sustainability strategy did indeed include an ambitious target to be a net zero carbon sport by 2030.
Leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, they are hoping to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which they operate.
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The 2022 strategy lays bare the numerous ways in which the sport wants to join the ever-green party and F1 is hoping to leave a legacy of positive change wherever they race by 2025. This includes using sustainable materials with all waste re-used, recycled or composted and offering incentives to provide every fan a greener way to reach the race.
Furthermore, they will be providing circuits and facilities that are better for fan wellbeing and nature and affording opportunities for local people and causes to get in on the action.
The countdown to zero really intensifies thereafter with net zero powered racing cars and ultra efficient and low carbon logistics for travel all proposed.
They are also looking at having 100 per cent renewably powered offices, facilities and factories and breakthrough C02 sequestration programmes to go completely green by 2030.
In recent times, the campaign has been endorsed by many of the main stars of the sport with no other than seven-time world championship winner Lewis Hamilton leading the fight for climate change. The British driver says F1 is on track to make an impact and has urged young people to take action on the global climate crisis.
Speaking at the 50th annual Earth Day which took place in 2020, he reached out to all his adoring fans. “It’s going to take all of us to come together, being united, to make small changes in our lives,” he says. “We’re so fortunate to have and occupy this planet, so we better start treating it right.”
With many of the most iconic drivers in the sport speaking out to try and make a positive impact on climate change it is hoped that F1 can indeed reach their objectives in seven years time. Although it will be a major challenge, it is a goal that authorities are hopeful they can accelerate towards.
The drive to survive is on, and only time will tell whether or not their campaign will put them in pole position in the fight against climate change.
Date
23-26 November
Location
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
For further information about sporting events in the capital visit Yalla Abu Dhabi Life
