F1 pushing sustainable fuels to governments · RaceFans

In brief

Domenicali – F1 pushing sustainable fuels to governments

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says that the sport is influencing and encouraging world governments to embrace more sustainable fuel technologies.

Modern F1 cars run on fuels of 10% renewable ethanol and will move to 100% sustainably-sourced fuels for 2026. Domenicali says the sport is having an impact on international awareness around new fuel technologies.

“F1 has also progressed initiatives this season in environmental sustainability,” Domenicali said. “In Austria, we piloted an energy efficient power system that delivered a 90% reduction in carbon emissions from operating the paddock, pit lane and F1 broadcast area.

“Additionally, a new fleet of biofuel trucks are delivering our broadcast production, technical and other equipment for the European events of the 2023 season, which we expect will reduce our overall freight emissions by a minimum of 60% compared to traditional fuel vapours.

“The Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars are successfully running on 55% of sustainable fuels this season and we remain on track to introduce 100% advanced sustainable fuels to Formula 1 in 2026. We are also encouraged by the increased awareness and openness of governments to include advanced sustainable fuels in their policy roadmaps to net zero, something F1 will continue to be at the forefront of pushing.”

McLaren jump motivating for smaller teams – Steiner

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says that McLaren’s leap in performance over the 2023 season so far is evidence that teams like his can also make similar jumps if they get their car developments right.

McLaren introduced a major upgrades package at the Austrian Grand Prix, going from 17 points in sixth place in the constructors’ championship to 103 points over the next four rounds.

“Obviously we are not doing what McLaren is doing,” said Steiner. “A lot of other teams make upgrades and are still where they are.

“McLaren made one and did a very good job. You have to compliment people like this – it shows you that you need to do good work and be a little bit lucky, but it can be done. It’s not that you say ‘I give up now’ and you can never get there – it has be done and if something has been done, you can try to do that.”

Alfa Romeo will take “a bit of time to catch up” – Zhou

Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu says he feels it will take “a bit of time” for his team to move up in the battle in the midfield.

After 12 rounds, Alfa Romeo are ninth of ten teams in the constructors’ championship with nine points, two behind Haas and Williams. Zhou accepts it’s going to be difficult for Alfa Romeo to emulate their sixth place finish in the championship from last season.

“It’s obviously been very tricky or a little bit of disappointment with the target we was able to set after such a promising year last year,” Zhou admitted. “There’s plenty of time to regroup and make sure we come back stronger, but I don’t think this year will be like last year – P4, P5.

“I think it will take a bit of time to catch up. But all we can do is just bring quicker upgrades and try to not get rid of the advantage we had, like Budapest, where we just ruined the weekend.”

Links

Motor racing links of interest:

Increased security during Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort this year (NL Times)

‘Security at the Grand Prix in Zandvoort during the race weekend will be increased compared to last year. During the previous event, a man disrupted the qualifying round for the Formula One race by throwing a smoke bomb onto the track. According to director Robert van Overdijk, an evaluation of the last edition led to tighter security protocols. Van Overdijk indicated that security personnel will receive stricter instructions and will be present in more areas of the stands.’

Herta family’s Laguna Seca legacy on show with tribute livery for IndyCar finale (RACER)

‘Colton Herta will race at the NTT IndyCar Series season finale at Laguna Seca with his No. 26 Andretti Autosport Honda adorned in a custom livery that pays tribute to his father’s 1998 Monterey-winning CART IndyCar entry. On what will be the 25th anniversary of Bryan Herta’s first IndyCar victory, his son Colton —also a race winner at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca — will carry the same colors and styling done with the blessing of sponsor Gainbridge that accurately recreates the Shell livery the elder Californian drove into his home state victory lane three decades ago.’

New Indian F4 series to race on street circuit in Chennai this December (Formula Scout)

‘The creation of a new street circuit in Chennai was announced on Wednesday, with its first ever event set to include a night race for the Indian Formula 4 championship.Indian F4 and the Indian Racing League will inaugurate the ‘Chennai Formula Racing Circuit’ on December 9/10, although it is yet to be confirmed when that will lie in Indian F4’s schedule as a 2023 calendar is yet to be released.’

7 Awesome Formula One-Themed Airline Liveries (Simple Flying)

‘Formula 1 and travel have long gone hand-in-hand, with airlines capitalizing on races in their home countries with special liveries, flypasts, and advertising. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the iconic F1 liveries on aircraft, representing teams or circuits, both current and historic.’

Kingston University student impresses Formula One engine manufacturer Mercedes HPP at Silverstone competition (Kingston University London)

”Student’s getting scouted is always a lovely surprise but it’s especially great to see Adam get noticed for his incredible work. He has been an invaluable asset to the team this year and I’ve been lucky enough to know him since he started at Kingston four years ago. Mercedes HPP are fortunate to have found such a kind, dedicated and smart future colleague whom I have no doubt will impress them for years to come.”

Getting to Know the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Drivers (Mercedes via YouTube)

A light-hearted video with Mercedes’ junior drivers, F2 driver Frederik Vesti, F3 racer Paul Aron and FRECA driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

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