Why Qatar Airways and F1 are Committing to SAF
Formula 1, the world’s leading motorsport series, captivates fans across the globe with high-octane action.
However, its international race calendar comes with environmental challenges, particularly high emissions output from air travel.
To tackle this, Formula 1 is investing in sustainable practices, including optimising its race calendar to reduce long-haul flights, cutting reliance on air freight, and integrating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
In a groundbreaking move, the organisation has partnered with Qatar Airways to drive the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel.
SAF’s role in F1's carbon reduction
SAF plays a central role in Formula 1’s strategy to cut emissions. Produced from from sustainable resources such as waste oils and agricultural residues, it has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
This year's investments in SAF by Formula 1 and its partners, including DHL, are projected to lower carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by more than 8,000 tonnes. This represents a 19% reduction in emissions associated with the sport’s air freight charter programme.
These measures are integral to Formula 1’s broader sustainability goals. By 2030, the sport aims to reduce emissions by at least 50% compared to a 2018 baseline and achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Beyond air travel, Formula 1 is also transitioning its race cars to run on 100% advanced sustainable fuel from 2026, with F2 and F3 adopting the standard even sooner.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, highlights the significance of this progress: “Today’s investment is the next step in our alternative fuels strategy which is central to delivering our Net Zero 2030 target.
"Through collaboration with our teams, the FIA and our partners, we are delivering on our promises to drive down the sport’s carbon emissions and drive forward technologies that can have an impact beyond Formula 1.”
Qatar Airways’ sustainability commitments
Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, shares Formula 1’s vision for sustainability.
The airline has committed to using 10% SAF by 2030 and has made strides by purchasing SAF for its fleet in 2024, achieving a reduction of 19,000 tonnes of CO2e.
Partnering with Formula 1 marks the launch of Qatar Airways’ SAF programme, making Formula 1 its first member. This milestone enables stakeholders to use SAF on a commercial scale, advancing the airline’s sustainability goals while influencing the wider aviation industry.
Qatar Airways’ efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to promote SAF adoption and reduce aviation emissions. By integrating SAF into its operations, the airline sets a strong example for the sector and highlights the feasibility of scaling sustainable fuel usage.
Looking to the future
The collaboration between Formula 1 and Qatar Airways is a significant step for the SAF industry. Combining the reach of a global sport with the resources of a major airline demonstrates the viability of SAF on a large scale and boosts public awareness of its benefits.
This partnership could also drive innovation in SAF production, potentially leading to increased supply and lower costs. Such progress would support the aviation industry’s aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, making SAF a cornerstone of future decarbonisation efforts.
Additionally, this initiative underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. By uniting Formula 1’s technical expertise with Qatar Airways’ aviation capabilities, the project may inspire similar partnerships to accelerate the transition to sustainable practices.
The growing importance of SAF
SAF is widely regarded as a vital innovation for reducing aviation’s environmental impact. Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF is made from renewable sources and achieves significant carbon savings. Its production from feedstocks like algae or agricultural residues ensures minimal reliance on fossil fuels, making it a sustainable choice for the industry.
As industries push for net zero targets, the adoption of SAF is crucial despite challenges like limited supply and higher costs. Partnerships like the one between Formula 1 and Qatar Airways exemplify how collaboration can overcome these barriers and pave the way for a greener future.
Ellen concludes: "Today’s investment is the next step in our alternative fuels strategy which is central to delivering our Net Zero 2030 target."
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