Abstract:

Formula 1 is one of the world’s largest global sporting series, yet its environmental impact has attracted increasing scrutiny in recent years, with critics questioning the credibility of its sustainability strategy. This study evaluates environmental sustainability pathways for Formula 1 by examining whether environmental initiatives can be implemented without undermining sporting performance or commercial objectives. Using an integrated literature review and empirical analysis, the research identifies key emission sources within the sport and assesses the effectiveness of existing and proposed mitigation measures. The findings suggest that mandatory team-level transparency represents a low-cost, high-impact policy instrument capable of improving environmental accountability while preserving competitive integrity. By analysing sustainability strategies through an economic framework, this study contributes to the literature on environmental governance in professional sport and addresses concerns surrounding greenwashing. The results offer policy-relevant insights for Formula 1 stakeholders, demonstrating that environmental efficiency can align with the sport’s long-term growth and its broader influence on the automotive industry.

Article currently under review process for publication.