Formula 1 ESG Boss: How F1 will Achieve Net Zero by 2030

Formula 1’s Sustainability Update 2025 says that the organisation is on track to reach its goal of net zero by 2030.

It has achieved a 26% reduction in carbon emissions at the end of 2024 compared to its 2018 baseline. 

Over the same period, race attendance has grown from four million to 6.5 million and F1’s global fanbase is now more than 826 million.

If no changes had been made to operations, F1 estimates that there would have been a 10% increase in its carbon footprint.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said in the report: “We are strongly committed to achieving net zero by 2030. It is a concrete goal, already visible in the significant reduction of our sport’s carbon footprint.

“Formula 1 has always been synonymous with innovation and the desire to improve. 

“Once again, this mentality has allowed us to make important progress, not only for those who work in this world, but also for society as a whole.”

Driving sustainability at Formula 1

Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, leads the business’ sustainability strategy. 

She joined the business in 2022 with previous experience from Pret A Manger and Accenture. 

Ellen earned a BA in Architecture from Yale University and an MS in Sustainable Environmental Design from the Architectural Association School of Architecture.

“Not only do I get to work in the wonderful four walls of Formula 1 management, looking at broadcast and logistics, but I also get to work across our sport with F1 teams, our race promoters who are event hosts and our broadcasters,” Ellen tells Sustainability Magazine.

“What we have tried to do as a sport is ask how we can take climate action now and explore how we can do so much more together, whether that's through partnerships or through shared solutions. 

“It's a real balance of individual activity within the organisations that make up our sport, as well as shared activity across the stakeholders who all love the races.”

Behind F1’s 2030 net zero goal

By 2030, F1 aims to reach net zero against a 2018 baseline with a minimum 50% emissions reduction target.

“Being Formula 1, we want to beat that number,” Ellen says.

“When we do exhaust the reductions phase, we will look at what are credible offsets at that time.”

She explains: “In our sustainability strategy, you have things that are different from a normal bricks and mortar because it's about the relationships that we have across the sport.

“We also look to make a unique contribution as Formula 1 by developing road relevant solutions. You see that in our cars with hybrid engines and you'll see that in our cars in 2026 with advanced sustainable fuel. 

“How those two cross pollinate is what I find fascinating. How we innovate on track and how that culture, mindset and knowledge of the technical innovation space helps us innovate off track.”

Influencing global sustainability

Formula 1’s unique position in sustainability also extends to its influence and fans.

The sport’s global fanbase has grown to more than 826 million and race attendance has reached more than six million.

“From our side, we have two different conversations when you talk about the platform,” Ellen explains.

“One is a B2C conversation with our fans about being part of something bigger and supporting change by being at a Formula 1 race. You're part of this progression that's able to happen. 

“The second is a B2B conversation. How do we talk to businesses about what solutions you can integrate today? How can you look at the solutions that work in Formula 1, at mass events with hundreds of thousands of people, globally? 

“If we can do that across those contexts and give case studies of what works, then hopefully it can inspire other businesses to say ‘if this works for Formula 1, it can work for us’.”

Challenges and opportunities for sustainability in F1

Reducing emissions by 26% brings F1 more than halfway to its goal of reducing emissions 50%, but more needs to be done yet.

Ellen explains that F1, like many businesses, faces challenges in changing mindsets on sustainability. 

However, with a history tied to burning race fuel and shredding rubber, perceptions in motorsport could be harder to change.

“Sustainability and performance are better delivered together and we have those examples within F1 every day showing that when you build sustainability from the front into your strategy, you're not making compromises on what is delivered,” she says.

Despite an increase in both number of events and attendance, F1 has achieved a 12% reduction in its average per-event energy emissions showing that growth and emissions can be decoupled.

Alongside this, Ellen feels that F1 is uniquely set up to support the development and amplification of new technologies. 

“You have to look at if it can scale, making sure it’s available in different markets and marking sure customers and auditors understand that technology and how it’s implemented,” Ellen explains. 

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a great example of that. In theory people understand it could make a difference, but we have put it into practice in our operations. 

“The only way we could do that is through being at that nexus point with our partners like Qatar Airways and DHL. 

“With our cargo carriers, we need to understand the flight route, where refuelling is happening, the fuel suppliers and auditors to create a chain of understanding so we can deliver not just the concept of sustainable aviation fuel, but results with 19% of our carbon emissions associated with air freight reduced.”