Formula One is one of those few worldwide sports that consume all the critical resources. Whether it be monetary or materialistic aids, motorsport requires the best and most possible in order to achieve a successful season every year. And that is why the F1 fraternity tries its best to work towards sustainable upgrades in the motorsport with which they can give something back to the environment. And looks like team Mercedes has made such a big move in recent times. But what is that? Keep reading to find out.
Mercedes Switching To Biofuel To Run its Race Trucks This Year
Since 2021, Formula One brought in a significant regulation in the form of Cost Cap management. With this move, all ten teams came to the same level regarding using resources and making a car. This move also gave a significant platform to all the teams to fight for the title without any discrimination. However, the fixed cost cap also resulted in reduced environmentally friendly measures from the teams to bring sustainability to the sport. Last year, because of the Ukraine-Russia war, transit costs went so high that the F1 teams had to take the issue to the FIA. However, despite the elevated transit costs, Mercedes made a big move by testing the Biofuel for the major European triple-header. And the results for such swapping came out major. Reportedly, the experiment came out as a big success, reducing emissions by 89% compared to using normal fossil fuels.
Although, they could not continue the same biofuel further because of the immense cost cap regulation. Evidently, the cost of these highly sustainable biofuels is higher than those in use. And using such expensive resources would’ve possibly affected the aid for the car development, which is by far any team’s most prominent goal. However, Formula One Commission had a meeting before the start of this year in order to take steps that will introduce sustainable initiatives in motorsport.
As a result, they have agreed to exclude the fuel costs that are used in F1’s transit for company cars, generators, and race transporters from the cost cap regulation. This move has allowed the F1 teams to use sustainable fuels to switch to them and help the environment. And Mercedes has finally made this big move. With the help of their partner Petronas, the German Manufacturer has planned to power up their entire transit operations with the help of the biofuel for this year’s European scheduler, which will include nine Grand Prix races of the season. The team’s transit operations will lead to a record 10,000 Kilometers on Biofuel.
Boss Toto Wolff Excited To Become Part Of “The Big Picture”
Although Mercedes has pledged to move forward with Biofuel from now onwards, it is not practically possible. In certain regions, the team will not be able to find the necessary products to force the use of regular fuels. This is because the transit vehicles and the generators used on race weekends will also use the same Biofuel. Despite that, the Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff is excited to become part of the big sustainable initiative. As the chief stated, “Motor racing is fuelled by passion. And the team has a responsibility to use Formula 1’s global platform to be more than leaders. We want to be pioneers.”
Toto emphasized that the team will be able to deliver approximately 89% reduction in emissions for every kilometer with the help of new sustainable fuel. He also praised the team, partner Petronas, and the logistic partners for working on the innovative project.
