The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the most sustainable in F1

When the three red lights that officially start the Spanish F1 Grand Prix on May 22 die, Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Hamilton, Alonso and other driving stars will race on the most sustainable circuit in the world. Championship, the one in Barcelona/Catalonia. Those responsible for the Spanish layout have been promoting initiatives promoting environmental protection and social commitment since 2007.

A sustainable circuit

Sustainable mobility is one of the hallmarks of this circuit. Those responsible for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have been promoting the use of public transport to access it for many years, and most service vehicles are hybrid or fully electric. In addition, several recharging points for electric vehicles have been installed and are available to all staff.

The venue also promotes the use of renewable energy for the consumption of facilities, manages outdoor noise with noise impact reduction policies and promotes biodiversity around the circuit. In addition, water dispensers are distributed throughout the “pelouses” and “paddock” stand to prevent the use of plastic bottles.

And because sustainability encompasses social commitment as well as respect for the environment, the circuit continues to collaborate with various organizations that manage the care and improvement of green route areas and distribution of surplus food in soup kitchens. . Since 2007, 6,500 kilos have been distributed and all restaurant services on the circuit are local and use ecological materials.

Thanks to this series of rules, the Catalan track became the first Formula 1 track in 2015 to obtain the “Excellence” level granted by the FIA ​​Institute, a recognition it received again in 2017 and 2019. In the same year , The The Circuit is also the first speed track in the world to receive the demanding ISO 14001: 2015 sustainability standard and both the International Olympic Committee and RFedA have awarded the initiatives.

Research the full power of Ferrari and Santander

Given sustainability as a priority in an F1 that always seeks to keep innovation, it’s almost natural that Banco Santander, a leader in renewable energy financing, announced a few months ago that it had contracted with Ferrari to move forward with future investigations. . solutions and advice to “Scuderia dell Cavallino Rampante” to achieve its goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

Ana Botín, president of Banco Santander, said in an announcement in December: “We are excited to work with Ferrari again and support them in their green transition. Santander is committed to fighting climate change and, as the leading car finance company in “Europe, we want to help make the automobile industry sustainable. This alliance with Ferrari will accelerate the development of both companies in this area”.

In 2015, the Catalan track became the first Formula 1 track to earn the “Excellence” level awarded by the FIA ​​Institute

By 2020, Banco Santander will be the world’s leading bank in renewable energy financing and its investment banking business (Santander CIB) will have teams that specialize in advising large clients on their green transition. The entity has been carbon neutral in its activity since 2020 and has the ambition to reach zero net emissions for all of its clients ’emissions derived from any of its financing, advisory or investment services by 2050.

For his part, John Elkann, president of Ferrari, said in December that “it is an honor to have as a partner a global financial leader like Santander, distinguished for its responsible banking, its global leadership in financing renewable energies. and advice on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance factors) projects. The great innovations and technological advances of F1 have been transferred throughout the industry, benefiting society as a whole. “

In other actions, the legendary Italian team has streamlined transport logistics to the Grand Prix for years to reduce weight and consequently fuel. It also focuses on the elimination of single-use plastics. Because of these promises, it has been able to be one of the few teams in the paddock to achieve three-star Environmental Accreditation from the FIA.

The challenge of staying competitive

Undoubtedly, one of the great challenges for the future of motor sport is to promote respect for the environment and sustainability without losing a small part of the show it has to offer.

However, this is possible and the data proves it: in 1980 the Formula 1 single-seater, with a 3,000 cubic centimeters atmospheric engine, delivered 500 horsepower. Now, with a 1.6-liter hybrid engine, they’re close to a thousand horsepower for the same fuel consumption.

Since 2014, F1 cars have been 30% better in terms of fuel consumption, reducing CO2 emissions.

Since 2014, F1 cars have been 30% more efficient in terms of fuel consumption, thus reducing CO2 emissions. With the goal in 2026, the builders plan to showcase a new engine that will be carbon neutral, using the most advanced sustainable fuels.

All of this initial research on F1 will also reach into the vehicle series, as has already happened with most current technology in hybrid engines, the KERS braking recharging system and better aerodynamics. And all of these have previously been disruptive elements in an increasingly sustainable F1, with examples such as the Circuit de Barcelona/Catalunya as champions of this work.