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Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for societal well-being as the effects of climate change are increasingly more dire. Extreme heat waves, drought, wildfires, damage to crops and biodiversity are just a few of the effects of global warming, and they’re expected to become more intense in the future unless serious measures are undertaken to attempt to stop environmental damage. This severe crisis affects everyone living on the planet, so it makes sense that anyone should be involved in solving it. Many people have started living more sustainable lives by implementing a wide range of solutions, from installing solar panels and eating less meat to shopping second-hand and avoiding single-use plastics.
However, many people don’t think about the sustainability of their hobbies. One of the most popular pastime activities is watching sports, and while football, cricket, rugby, tennis, and horse racing might be the first ones that come to your mind, there’s another one that has been gaining quite a lot of traction with the public in recent years: motorsports. The excitement, thrill, and intensity of the competitions are the main reasons why people are drawn to it, but the scenic locations, spectacular visuals, and unmatched skills that go into racing don’t hurt its popularity either. Fans are loyal and engage with the sport often, turning up at live events and supporting drivers. Both well-established names as well as young rising stars like Yuki Tsunoda, attract legions of fans due to their convincing performances and skillful presentations.
At the same time, many fans are wondering about the sustainable future of motorsports and whether it is even possible.
Motorsports have shaped the racing industry, but its continuous development has raised concerns about the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the events. It’s easy to see why since the cars rely on fossil fuels, which results in elevated carbon emissions. Some vehicles can use as much as 110 kilograms per race, but the cars are not always filled to their full capacity. This isn’t done for sustainable reasons but rather because the heavier a car is, the higher the lap time. Apart from the intensive fuel use, there are also those who accuse the sport of elitism as ticket prices are typically high. With all of that in mind, it can seem like the sport leaves much to be desired. But important innovations and developments are actually in the making.
Motorsport cars have very thirsty engines. Earlier models produced roughly 400 horsepower through 4.5L aspirated engines. Nowadays, F1 cars have 1.6L six-cylinder engines that are turbo-powered and produce as much as 850 horsepower. However, since the consumption is so high, it means that the fuel efficiency is nowhere near as good as it could be, with the general figures showing that the average vehicle consumes about a gallon every six miles. This means that teams had to innovate and adapt to make the best of the cards they were dealt. As a result, mechanics and engineers developed ways to get more power out of tiny engines by limiting the quantity of fuel vehicles are allowed to carry. This resulted in improved thermal efficiency, with big manufacturers being at the forefront and pioneering these tech developments.
There can be no talk of sustainability without developments in eco vehicles and their introduction in motorsports. Grandprixnews indicates that the sector and community are ready for the introduction of sustainable solutions. Sustainable fuel is one of the most noteworthy innovations. Hybrid power units already use fuel that contains around 10% renewable ethanol. Events and logistics have also been powered by HVO, hydrotreated vegetable oil resulting from the hydrogenation or hydrocracking of vegetable oils. The sport’s prestige and large platform can also act as a way to boost the sustainable fuel space and make it more appealing to the wider automotive industry.
Currently, the plan is for motorsports to only work with fuels that are 100% sustainable until 2026. Studies show that by 2030, there will be around two billion cars on the road, so there’s a clear need to reduce emissions as much as possible. While there’s no denying the fact that this is a challenge for the environment, it is also an opportunity to work with fuel specialists and invest in research in order to contribute to a better future.
Sustainable fuels are not the only tech development involved in the creation of eco vehicles. The rise of electric or hybrid cars has a place in the world of motorsports as well, not only because of the lower emissions but also because of their efficiency. The use of internal combustion engines and electric motors makes for a car that delivers high performance with a reduced environmental impact. Eco-friendly materials and design choices will definitely become more popular as well and be used on a broader scale in the upcoming years.
Some of the examples include bio-based composites and recycled materials. Apart from their environmentally friendly features, these design approaches might also prioritise aerodynamics more. This makes vehicles more efficient and comes with reduced energy consumption levels. Eco vehicles will also explore different paths in the integration of renewable energy sources. This includes breakthroughs such as regenerative braking systems or the use of solar panels. In many ways, these developments could revolutionise not just the functionality of the cars they power and, which would typically rely on traditional energy sources, but the entire automotive sector, leading to developments in the area.
To sum up, although the concept of sustainability is still in its very early days in the world of motorsports, it has shown clear signs of evolution and development. There’s no doubt that the next few years will bring sustainability to the forefront of developments, creating an industry that doesn’t just avoid harming the planet but is really taking practical steps to help it. These initiatives are also quite likely to attract a higher number of fans from all over the world who are committed to saving the planet.
