More sustainable F1 series could see teams from Volkswagen

Broadcast company the BBC quoted Porsche Motorsport vice-president Fritz Enzinger as saying it would be “of great interest if aspects of sustainability - for instance, implementing e-fuels” played a role. Porche is owned by the Volkswagen Group.

Enzinger added: “Should they [FIA] confirm these aspects, we will evaluate them in detail within the VW Group and discuss further steps. Porsche and Volkswagen AG are observing the constantly changing regulations in all relevant racing series around the world. This is also the case regarding the emerging new engine and drivetrain regulation for Formula One from 2025.”

The FIA, F1’s governing body, last year delivered the first barrels of 100 per cent sustainable fuel made from bio-waste to engine manufacturers for testing and validation. It said the aim was a mandatory requirement of 100 per cent sustainable fuels in F1, which has a target of being a net-zero carbon sport by 2030.

“Our top sustainability priority now is building a roadmap for the hybrid engine that reduces emissions and has a real-world benefit for road cars,” said Ross Brawn, F1's managing director for motorsport, said in December 2020. “We believe we have the opportunity to do that with a next-generation engine that combines hybrid technology with sustainable fuels.”

F1’s new chief executive Stefano Domenicali, former head of the Volkswagen-owned luxury marque Lamborghini, said in January that the sport was in discussions with auto manufacturers not currently involved with the sport.

“For the moment, they prefer to stay still quiet, but the good news is that there are other companies, very important companies, that are really keen to understand what is the value that they can bring home using the F1 platform,” he said.

In February this year, Red Bull announced it will continue to use Honda’s Formula One (F1) power units from 2022 until 2025, with the F1 team introducing its own powertrain company.