F1 and DHL's Bid to Reduce Air Freight Emissions with SAF
The partnership between DHL and Formula 1 (F1) has been evolving for over 20 years, with the two giants continually pushing sustainability to the forefront.
F1, a sport known for speed and precision, is applying that same focus to its supply chain, using biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions across its global operations.
Expanding sustainable transport in motorsport
F1 isn’t just about high-octane races; it's also about embracing innovation.
In recent years, the sport has turned its attention to sustainability, working to reshape its operations and logistics into greener, more efficient systems.
The partnership with DHL is key to achieving this.
As part of its efforts to slash emissions, F1 has committed to making its supply chains more sustainable. A crucial element of this plan is the use of DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, which includes SAF for air cargo transport.
Starting with the Australian Grand Prix in March 2024, F1's use of SAF has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% per flight compared to traditional aviation fuel.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, highlights the importance of these efforts, saying: “F1 has always been at the forefront of innovation and our early-stage investment in SAF is a testament to our dedication to deliver on our net-zero-by-2030 commitment.”
Ellen goes on to emphasise that SAF and alternative fuels play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions on and off the track.
Doubling down on biofuel-powered logistics
DHL's role in F1's sustainability journey extends beyond air freight.
For the 2024 season, DHL has doubled its biofuel truck fleet to 37 vehicles, all of which run on HVO100 drop-in fuel, a type of biodiesel that offers an 83% reduction in carbon emissions compared to standard diesel trucks. These trucks are used for transporting equipment during the European leg of the F1 calendar, proving that cleaner logistics solutions are feasible for heavy-duty transport.
With these advancements, F1’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 is becoming more realistic.
"Our longstanding partnership with F1 is built on a shared passion for innovation and excellence," adds Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsports Logistics.
"We're committed to using our expertise to support F1 in transporting cars and other equipment around the world in the most efficient way possible."
Streamlining logistics and reducing environmental impact
The partnership between F1 and DHL is about more than just alternative fuels; it's also about finding smarter ways to handle the logistics behind a global sport.
DHL has leveraged its expertise to help F1 optimise travel routes, reducing the need for long-distance transport and cutting down unnecessary flights. In particular, the introduction of more fuel-efficient Boeing 777 aircraft has led to a 17% reduction in carbon emissions compared to older models.
This push for efficiency stretches beyond vehicles and aircraft. F1 and DHL have worked together to develop remote broadcasting operations, which reduce the amount of equipment that needs to be transported to each race.
The company has also redesigned freight containers, cutting overall freight volumes and, as a result, lowering emissions.
These logistical innovations play a significant role in F1’s sustainability strategy, reducing the sport's environmental impact while keeping operations as smooth as ever.
The combined efforts of F1 and DHL demonstrate that it’s not just about being fastest on the track; it’s also about leading the race towards a greener future.
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