News of carbon emitting new vehicles being banned in Europe midway through the next decade is a stark reminder that extensive electrification looms, or does it? The F1 alternative fuels agreement signals the top flight of motorsport will not merge into full electrification for the foreseeable future.
They may not sound as aural as the V10 or V12 powered behemoths of yesteryear but for some, the demure turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrains are still better than nothing. One thing is for certain for the foreseeable future though, F1 alternative fuels mean that the premier motoring sport in the world will avoid electrification for at least the next decade.
The 100% sustainable fuel will be introduced in 2026 when the new engines are implemented. The championship is currently running with E10 fuel powering the cars, which comprises 10% ethanol; a CO2 emissions reducer. F1 is working alongsider Aramco and other major fuel manufacturers in the championship to develop the future fuel for four years time that is completely carbon neutral.
The synthetic fuel will be what is known as ‘drop in’, which means that any ICE powered Formula 2, Formula 3 or even road going car for that matter will be able to make use of the carbon friendly alternative.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the ICE as we know it is saved, Porsche has invested millions in a South American plant which takes existing carbon in the atmosphere and converts it into fuel. It is an energy intensive process which means that widespread use of the fuel may not be financially feasible for most road users.
This comes amidst Formula 1’s goal of Net Zero Carbon by 2030 which has also seen the racing series reducing carbon through its behind-the-scenes processes too. This includes remote broadcast operations yielding less freight moving around the world as well as redesigned freight containers which can be used by more efficient aircraft when transporting equipment. The paddock has also done away with single-use plastics and intends on scheduling future calendars around the most logical logistic standpoint.
This provides a glimmer of hope in the glum headlines that ICE powered cars will be completely replaced by electrified alternatives. We can only hope that the future yields affordable, carbon friendly alternatives for ICEs for the masses.
