How can F1 Go Green Without Hitting the Brakes? Analysing the Optimum Environmental Sustainability Approach for Formula 1.

Abstract:

Formula 1 is often referred to as the pinnacle of motorsports, with a huge audience and market cap as one of the largest sports series in the world. In recent years, it has faced mounting scrutiny over its environmental impact, and critics accuse the sport of greenwashing through its current sustainability strategy. This study analyses the optimal environmental sustainability approach for Formula 1, balancing ecological responsibility with the sport’s commercial goals. Through an integrated literature review and empirical research, this paper examines whether sustainability hinders performance, identifies key emission areas, and evaluates potential solutions. The results indicate that mandating team transparency has the potential to be a low-cost, high-impact strategy that maintains the sport’s competitiveness. These findings contribute to existing literature by evaluating viable solutions for the sport in an economic framework; this resolves prior criticism of F1’s environmental policies and informs F1 stakeholders on the topic. This study aims to demonstrate to F1 policymakers that an efficient environmental solution does not contradict the sport’s global expansion, providing deeper insight into their decisions that impact the sport and the wider automotive industry.