How Mercedes' latest material innovation pushes F1 sustainability forward
For 75 years, Formula One has thrived on innovation — much of it engineered for performance, speed, and spectacle. But the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is adding another layer to that legacy: sustainability.
In a landmark move that aligns with F1's shifting environmental priorities, Mercedes announced that by 2025, their W16 challenger will feature use of sustainable carbon fibre composites — marking the first time in the sport's history that this scale of sustainable material will be integrated into a Formula One car.
The initiative, driven in part by Mercedes' commitment to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040, isn't just about optics. Roughly 75% of the team's race car will soon be composed of sustainable carbon fibre.
'When you combine performance and innovation, you create progress,' Toto Wolff, CEO of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said in a statement. 'I am proud to lead a team of problem solvers who are committed to driving sustainable changes.'
The material itself is engineered from two essential components — fibres and a resin system. Typically, the composite is made up of 60% fibres and 40% resin, cured into a lightweight but durable material capable of withstanding the stress of elite motorsport competition.
Mercedes' longstanding partner, Petronas, is onboard as well, aligning its own green fuel development with the team's sustainability push. The latest project sees Mercedes collaborate with Chestnut Carbon, an organization focused on ecological restoration and carbon removal. Two separate programs are underway: one targeting the carbon fibre material and another improving the sustainability of the resin system.
'This commitment is reflected in our ownership of the land and our 100-year project design,' said Ben Dell, CEO of Chestnut Carbon. 'We have developed a comprehensive Community Engagement plan to ensure transparent communication and positive relationships with the local stakeholders, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and community support.'
As part of this effort, Mercedes has committed to purchasing 5,500 tonnes of carbon removal credits between 2027 and 2030. The project is supported by a network of four to eight suppliers for each component of the composite material, and each part must still pass the FIA's rigorous performance testing before hitting the grid.
'We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation within our sport,' said Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability at Mercedes. 'Leadership must be driven by innovation, and our team's efforts in this space are the latest demonstration of our ambition to become one of the world's most sustainable global sports teams.'
Mercedes is exploring applications of these sustainable materials in industries like aviation and aerospace—an evolution of F1's role as a high-speed laboratory for change.
As per sustainability magazine, Ben Dell, CEO of Chestnut Carbon commented: 'This commitment is reflected in our ownership of the land and our 100-year project design. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive Community Engagement plan to ensure transparent communication and positive relationships with the local stakeholders, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and community support.'
(The writer in an intern with the Indian Express)
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