Formula 1 and DHL reveal logistics sustainability leap with biofuelled trucks
Formula 1 and DHL have recently revealed that the European leg of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship is being delivered using biofuelled trucks, helping to reduce carbon emissions by a minimum of 60% in comparison with standard fuels.
The first biofuel truck fleet from the logistics company is made up of 18 new trucks that run on HVO100 drop-in fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil). The new trucks will travel roughly 10,600km across this season’s European races and will help to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the same level of performance in terms of load capacity and travel distance.
Creating a more sustainable logistics network has been a key pillar of the motorsport series’ partnership with DHL and the introduction of the new biofuel-powered trucks is another step towards Formula 1’s goal of net zero by 2030.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, said: “We are a sport which operates on a global scale and DHL play a critical role in delivering the races and helping us address the logistical impact we have as a World Championship.
“Together we are continually looking for more sustainable solutions, and through innovations such as the biofuelled trucks we’re able to take the next step forward in reducing our carbon emissions and achieving our sustainability goal of being net zero by 2030. It is wonderful to see partners like DHL share the same drive and commitment to creating a more sustainable Formula 1.”
“Together we are continually looking for more sustainable solutions, and through innovations such as the biofuelled trucks we’re able to take the next step forward in reducing our carbon emissions and achieving our sustainability goal of being net zero by 2030."
Arjan Sissing, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group, added: “Our partnership with Formula 1 also showcases our shared dedication to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. We consistently strive to make logistics more sustainable, and we are excited to introduce the inaugural fleet of trucks, running on a sustainable fuel this year. As an industry leader in green logistics, the 18 trucks further contribute to a lower emission DHL fleet, where we show to our fans and customers that it is possible to bring the excitement of Formula 1 races around the world in a sustainable way.”
Further green initiatives from Formula 1 include switching to remote broadcast operations, testing multimodal transport opportunities such as overland and ocean freight, and redesigning freight containers to fit on more-efficient Boeing 777 aircrafts. This reduces carbon emissions by 18% compared to traditional aircraft, the 747.
Formula 1, which established its sustainability programme in 2019, is also aiming to introduce advanced sustainable fuel in 2026 for its own racing cars, alongside the next-generation hybrid engine.
Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsport Logistics, said: “Each truck can therefore transport up to 40 tonnes and travel up to 3,500 kilometres per 1,000-litre tank. For the European F1 leg the trucks run entirely on HVO100, which is a second-generation biofuel, meeting the standard EN15940 for paraffin fuels, as well as a drop-in fuel.”
Image: Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash