How Procurement Drives Formula 1's Race to Net Zero 2030

Procurement decisions are reshaping how Formula 1 operates across its 24-race global calendar. The sport has set a target to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

According to Formula 1, emissions have fallen by 35% against a 2018 baseline. The organisation reported a 12% reduction in 2025 compared to the prior year.

These cuts came as the race schedule grew from 21 events to 24. Travel requirements increased but procurement strategies for sustainable fuels and logistics helped offset the additional impact.

The reductions include Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates, which are tradable instruments representing carbon savings from SAF production and use. Organisations can claim climate benefits without directly purchasing or using the fuel itself.

According to Formula 1, over 80,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions have been eliminated since 2018 through Sustainable Aviation Fuels, electrification and other sustainable alternatives.

Procurement shifts logistics strategy

Procurement teams are changing how Formula 1 transports equipment between race locations. The sport currently uses road and air freight to move cars and related items.

The organisation plans to move 50% of broadcast and associated freight to sea transport or regional hubs. This shift requires new procurement contracts for maritime logistics.

Formula 1 and DHL will invest in sustainable maritime fuel and expand biofueled truck use in 2025. The partnership between the two organisations shows how procurement relationships can support decarbonisation goals.

"Sustainability underpins every decision we make, not only on the racetrack, but in how we produce and deliver our iconic events around the world," says Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1.

"By doubling the sport's investment in sustainable aviation fuel, making our first investment in sustainable maritime fuel and continuing to work closely with promoters, teams and partners, we are driving further emissions reductions while accelerating the adoption of the latest technologies," she says.

"These actions demonstrate our continued determination to lead through sustainable innovation. As we move towards our net zero by 2030 goal, the Future Race Operations Programme will deliver further significant reductions in the years ahead, alongside the full impact of calendar rationalisation, which will come into effect from the 2026 season.

"Together, these initiatives show that sustainable operations are not only possible at a global scale, but can be delivered without compromising the performance, ambition or spectacle that define Formula 1."

Supplier partnerships deliver solutions

Procurement partnerships with suppliers are enabling Formula 1 to test new technologies at race tracks. The organisation works with Aggreko to deploy higher levels of synthetic renewable diesel and solar and battery solutions for on-site operations at European events.

Race tracks host large-scale events infrequently. This makes investing in permanent low-carbon infrastructure challenging from a procurement perspective.

Temporary technologies allow Formula 1 to reduce environmental impact without major capital expenditure. Developing such solutions through supplier partnerships could prove valuable for event-based industries.

"At Formula 1, we act and show our achievements through facts, not just words, and I am incredibly proud that we remain on track to achieve net zero by 2030, made possible by the collective effort across the sport to reduce our environmental impact," says Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

"From calendar rationalisation to greater investment in sustainable fuels and alternative energy solutions, we have reduced our footprint while the sport continues to grow and reach new audiences around the world." 

Teams make procurement commitments

Individual racing teams are making their own procurement decisions to support sustainability targets. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team introduced an all-electric truck earlier this month.

The eActros 600 will transport the team's cars and equipment to European races. This addition complements the bio-fueled fleet already in operation.

McLaren Racing has partnered with Ecolab to cover 100% of its aviation travel emissions using SAF certificates. The procurement agreement shows how teams are using supplier relationships to address scope three emissions.

In 2021, McLaren set a goal to develop the first Formula 1 car made from recycled and recyclable materials. This target requires procurement teams to source alternative materials and components.

DHL Group has announced plans to expand its capabilities in new energy sectors in response to customer demand. According to DHL, the organisation aims to grow its New Energy logistics revenue from around €600m (US$695m) in 2025 to €3bn (US$3.5bn) by 2030.

This expansion could provide Formula 1 and other organisations with more procurement options for sustainable logistics services.