Sustainability as a venture holds a higher degree of importance in motorsport. The science of going racing has not always been benevolent to the environmental demands due to its inherent nature. However, with the times changing and the means of achieving a more sustainable future becoming a reality, the sport of Formula 1 has to now step up. Being the pinnacle of motorsport, F1 has to lead by example. And Mercedes being its most prominent protagonist, Lewis Hamilton & Co. has taken up the mantle of spearheading this endeavor by getting one up over their rivals.

F1 has taken many initiatives into account that move towards achieving the goal of sustainability. That being said, what Mercedes has planned to implement in the European leg of this season’s championship is going to be the pole-bearer of this sport’s push towards the abovementioned goals.

Lewis Hamilton & Co. will modify its fleet to afford sustainability

Logistics play a huge part in F1. And every team has to allocate its own logistical team. But according to Datuk Sazali Hamzah, the VP, and CEO of Petronas Downstream, title sponsor of the Mercedes team, “Today we are witnessing a significant milestone in the successful use of HVO100 or a sustainable fuel in freight transport for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.” 

In the race for sustainability, Mercedes has surely now taken the lead over its dominant rivals such as Red Bull. But how do they achieve this? According to FormulaPassion.it, “In the nine European races, the fleet of Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks aimed at transporting all the material needed to tackle the grand prix will be powered by HVO100 , a second generation biofuel.”

“Each vehicle will travel between 9,000 and 10,000 kilometers and each kilometer traveled with the HVO100 will reduce emissions by a further 89%. Mercedes’ goal is to achieve a reduction in emissions of over 60%, equal to 200 tonnes of CO2 saved.” [translated via Google Translate]

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But in this tricky and restrictive age of cost-cap, how has Mercedes been able to afford this positive step forward?

FIA gives Mercedes a lifeline

The cost cap ceiling is set at $135,000,000. Any expense that is covered under the cost cap, if begins to inflate, will have a negative effect on the developmental capability of the team. Then how has Mercedes been able to implement a noble yet expensive approach and fit it all within the meager budget restriction?

According to Motorsport.com, “Originally, the fuel costs for transport to the races counted towards the budget cap. Because biofuel is more expensive than fossil fuel, a switch would have consequences for Mercedes in view of the further development of the F1 car.” 

“Following talks in the Formula 1 Commission, some sustainable initiatives have been introduced, encouraging teams to choose an option that is better for the environment without disadvantage. One of these initiatives is that the cost of biofuel for company cars, trucks and generators of F1 teams will no longer count towards the budget cap.” 

“Teams that want to make the switch to the more sustainable fuel can do so without compromising the budget intended for the development of the car.”

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Do you think teams should follow suit to replicate Mercedes’ efforts?