Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has turbocharged its way into environmental history. They’ve become the first-ever motorsport squad to sign The Climate Pledge, marking a major shift in the race towards a greener planet. This pledge, spearheaded by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019, sets a bold finish line for companies aiming to hit Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, a full decade ahead of the global pack as outlined by the Paris Agreement.
Joining an elite group of over 450 organizations, the F1 team is not just about breaking speed records but is now on a fast track to sustainability. Under The Climate Pledge, these eco-friendly racers commit to laying out their decarbonization roadmap transparently, ensuring any lingering emissions are offset in a way that’s not just quantifiable and real, but also beneficial to society.
“We’re not just here to win races; we’re racing for the planet,” declared Toto Wolff, the team’s principal and CEO. He emphasized the team’s ambition to lead by example, showcasing that high performance and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, or tire-to-road, in their case.
The team is already making strides towards their 2030 goal of achieving Net Zero emissions for all operations they can control directly. This includes a comprehensive audit of their supply chain’s carbon footprint and setting science-backed targets for reducing it. Last year, their innovative approach to slashing emissions included investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel, leading to a 21% decrease in their air travel carbon footprint.
Alice Ashpitel, the team’s Head of Sustainability, shared her enthusiasm about joining The Climate Pledge. “It’s a natural step in our sustainability journey, one that aligns with our goals of reaching Net Zero by 2040. We’ve already seen significant emission reductions thanks to our biofuel initiatives, and we’re excited to push even further,” she stated.
Amazon’s Sally Fouts, the global lead for The Climate Pledge, cheered the team’s commitment. “Every sector needs to step up to the sustainability starting line, and we’re thrilled to have the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team with us. Their dedication to reaching Net Zero by 2040 is a model for others to follow,” she said.
With this move, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is not just racing against competitors on the track but racing against time to secure a healthier planet. Their commitment to measuring, reporting, and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions, alongside their investment in renewable energy and carbon offsets, sets a new standard for environmental responsibility in the high-octane world of motorsport.
