As the 2024 Formula One season ramps up with a series of international races, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has announced a significant move toward sustainability. By the end of 2025, the team aims to quadruple its reduction in aviation emissions through its investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates (SAFc), building on impressive strides already made in 2023.

Commitment to Reducing Aviation Emissions

In 2023, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 more than doubled its aviation emissions reduction, cutting 6,695 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) through the use of SAFc for business travel. This reduction reflects the team's dedication to being among the most sustainable professional sports teams worldwide. The next step in their ambitious sustainability journey is to further scale these efforts by quadrupling the reductions by 2025.

Investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 was the first global sports team to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the "book and claim" system and direct refinery capacity in 2022. The increased use of this system will allow the team to reduce aviation carbon emissions by 18,500 tCO2e between 2024 and 2025. This includes saving 8,000 tCO2e in 2024 and an additional 10,500 tCO2e in 2025.

SAFc: The Path to a Sustainable Future

Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates (SAFc) are central to the team’s sustainability strategy. By investing in SAFc, the team not only cuts emissions but also encourages the broader adoption of this technology across industries. Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, "A net reduction in our emissions sits at the heart of our operations and the ambitious sustainability targets we have set ourselves."

Mercedes’ Long-Term Environmental Goals

From 2022 to 2025, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team has set a goal to cut over 27,500 tonnes of carbon emissions through SAFc investments. This reflects a significant increase in their efforts, quadrupling their annual aviation emissions reduction since their initial investment in SAF.

Support from Industry Partners

Key partnerships with companies such as SkyNRG and British Airways have been instrumental in helping Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team achieve its emissions reduction goals. Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability for the team, noted that their support has helped drive the team’s sustainability ambitions forward. "We see SAFc as a game-changer," Ashpitel said, emphasizing how this technology can inspire businesses and sports organizations alike to take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

Paving the Way for 2026 and Beyond

While sustainable fuels will officially become a requirement in Formula One by 2026, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 is already ahead of the curve. During the 2023 European racing season, the team managed to save 339 tCO2e by using HVO biofuels for land freight and at race venues. They plan to reach 100% biofueled logistics for the nine European races in 2024.

Ambitious Targets for 2030

Looking ahead, the team has set ambitious targets for 2030, which include a 75% reduction in Race Team Control emissions and a 100% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions. These targets highlight Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1’s ongoing commitment to leading Formula One into a more sustainable future.