Mercedes Formula 1 Team Achieves Major Sustainability Milestone with HVO100 Biofuel
The Mercedes Formula 1 team has proudly announced a significant advancement in its sustainability efforts during the European season of 2025. The team achieved an impressive milestone by utilizing 99% HVO100 biofuel coverage in its operations. This marks a notable increase in the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in the logistics of their internal combustion engine trucks, a transition that began in 2022. The adoption of this biofuel has resulted in a substantial reduction in lifecycle emissions, with estimates indicating a decrease of up to 81% compared to conventional diesel fuel.
Commitment to Sustainability
Alice Ashpitel, the head of sustainability for the Mercedes team, emphasized the organization’s dedication to innovative practices both on and off the racetrack. The successful integration of HVO100 across nearly all logistics for the European season illustrates the team’s commitment to sustainability. "Every kilometer driven using biofuel brings us closer to our target of achieving Net Zero emissions by the year 2040," Ashpitel stated, highlighting the importance of their ongoing efforts to drive change throughout their entire operation.
Mercedes has set ambitious goals for its sustainability journey. The team aims to achieve Net Zero emissions for total Race Team Control by 2030, while also striving for full Net Zero across all operational scopes by 2040. This dual approach reflects their determination to not only foster high-performance racing but also to contribute positively to the environment.
Future Plans for Sustainability
Looking ahead, the Mercedes Formula 1 team has laid out plans to extend the use of HVO100 biofuel to races outside of Europe. In addition, the team is exploring the integration of their Mercedes-Benz Trucks e-fleet where feasible. This strategic expansion aligns with their broader sustainability initiatives and showcases their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint on a global scale.
In July 2025, Formula 1 as a whole reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030. The sport reported a 26% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of 2024, demonstrating significant progress toward this goal. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed strong confidence in their sustainability objectives, stating, "We are fully dedicated to reaching Net Zero by 2030. This is a concrete goal, already reflected in the considerable reduction of our sport’s carbon emissions."
The Role of Innovation in Sustainability
Domenicali further emphasized that Formula 1 has always been a leader in innovation and the pursuit of improvement. This mindset has enabled the sport to make substantial strides not only for those involved in racing but also for society as a whole. The introduction of advanced sustainable fuels in all Formula 1 cars is one of the new initiatives planned for the upcoming year. This step not only benefits the racing community but also opens up significant opportunities for the automotive industry and other forms of transportation.
The Mercedes Formula 1 team’s efforts in sustainability are a testament to the broader commitment within the sport to embrace environmentally-friendly practices. With the support of the FIA, teams, partners, and promoters, Formula 1 is poised to continue its journey toward a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mercedes Formula 1 team’s achievement of 99% HVO100 biofuel coverage is a significant milestone in their sustainability journey. By reducing lifecycle emissions and committing to ambitious sustainability goals, they are leading the way for the sport and setting an example for other teams and industries. As Formula 1 moves closer to its Net Zero target, the ongoing innovations and initiatives will continue to play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future for motorsport and beyond.
