Mercedes F1 have achieved 99% biofuels coverage across the 2025 European season and in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup you will find out how they plan to expand the initiative. I also have news of an electric/hybrid buggy with plans to race the Dakar Rally and much more!
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
Circuit of the Americas Joins Green Sports Alliance
The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) has recently announced that they are joining the Green Sports Alliance. “We are joining the Green Sports Alliance to strengthen our commitment to sustainability, reduce the environmental impact of our events, and inspire positive change across the sports and entertainment industry. Through this membership, we aim to learn, share, and implement best practices that align with our mission to create memorable experiences while protecting the planet.”
The Future of Mobility: Electrification, Autonomy, and Brazil’s Energy Opportunity
In the article “The Future of Mobility: Electrification and Autonomy in Brazil’s Energy Transition,” Lucas Di Grassi explores the transformative impact of electrification and autonomous technologies on Brazil’s transportation landscape. It delves into how these advancements are shaping sustainable mobility solutions and addressing energy challenges in the region. It also looks at the role that motorsport plays in this transition.
You can read the full article here.
Sustainable Racing
MURRA T3U Electric/hybrid Buggy to Race in Dakar Rally
The MURRA project is the planning to race the T3U Electric/hybrid buggy in the Dakar Rally. Check out the technology they are implementing:
- 162kW POWER ( FIA regulation)
- 17kWh BATTERY
- 4×4 DRIVE
- REGENERATIVE BRAKING
- FLAX FIBER BODY
- ENERGY CONVERTER
“We are MURRA, and we’re electrifying the future of autosport and tourism. Born in 2021, we’re not just building buggies; we’re building a movement. In a world demanding change, we’re answering the call, driving the energy transition forward with sustainable electric and hybrid solutions.”
For more details on the MURRA project, go to: https://murra.ch/
Series News
Saudi Arabia Hosts the World’s First Hydrogen Racing Event
Last weekend saw hydrogen racing take center stage as the first ever Extreme H World Cup in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia was won by Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor after dominating the headline eight-car Final.
“Extreme H is aiming to test whether hydrogen fuel-cell systems can overcome some of those constraints – offering faster refuelling and greater endurance while maintaining zero-emission performance, provided the hydrogen is renewably produced. For now, the project serves less as a breakthrough than as a pilot: a controlled environment where engineers and governing bodies can assess how hydrogen technology behaves under race-level pressure.”
Formula E Won’t Follow F1 in Creating Women-Only Racing Series
Formula E will focus on developing opportunities for women within its existing framework, rather than creating a female-only racing series like Formula One has done, says chief championship officer Alberto Longo.
“I firmly believe that if women are competitive, they should race against men, not have their own championship,” Longo told Reuters.
History Made in Lagos as Team Brazil Claims Maiden Victory in First Ever African Race
Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed its maiden victory at the E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank. They made history as the world’s first all-electric raceboat Championship staged its inaugural race in Africa. The race brought thousands of fans to the waterfront, creating a festival atmosphere as Nigeria proudly hosted one of sport’s most innovative global Championships.
Getting to the Track Sustainably
Mercedes F1 Hits Big Sustainability Milestone On Road to Net Zero
The Mercedes Formula 1 team has confirmed that it reached a sustainability milestone during the 2025 European season, as it achieved 99% coverage of HVO100 biofuel.
The Brackley outfit has increased HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil) coverage in its internal combustion engine trucks since 2022. According to the team, the biofuel reduced lifecycle emissions by up to 81% compared with standard diesel.
“Our sustainability strategy is built on innovation on and off the track, and the expansion of HVO100 across 99% of our European season’s race and marketing truck logistics is testament to this,” head of sustainability Alice Ashpitel said.
The next phase in Mercedes’ sustainability plan involves expanding the use of HVO100 for races outside of Europe and integrating the Mercedes-Benz Trucks e-fleet where possible.
Formula E Advances ‘Could Bring Ultra-Fast Charging in Five Years’
Formula E says its “ultra-fast” pit boost technology could be recharging regular electric vehicles in “five years, max”. The system gives cars a 600KW 10% energy shot in 30 seconds during pit stops.
Julia Palle, vice-president for sustainability with the all-electric racing series, told BBC Sport it could be rolled out to the real world.
“I would not think it’s going to take more than five years, max, before we see a fast charger in the mainstream on our streets,” said Palle. “Maybe in the big cities, the likes of London, and then being deployed progressively in most other countries.”
Why the FIA is Investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is helping the FIA decarbonise FIA travel and logistics. According to the Federation, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, and, working with Formula 1, they’re using it to make a tangible difference while scaling other efficiency measures across events and operations.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
