ADAC has released their XT1 regulation concept for GT and Touring cars and this week’s jam-packed Sustainable Motorsport Roundup has all the details. I also have an update on Mission 24, a sustainable Singapore Grand Prix and much more!
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
ADAC Reveals XT1 Regulation Concept for GT and Touring Cars
German motorsport governing body the ADAC has announced a future technical regulation concept called XT1 which aims to pit different powertrain types against each other.
Launched at Hockenheim ahead of the 2025 DTM season finale, the blueprint envisages a road-relevant platform that could be exported to different series around the world.
The base of the XT1 concept is a chassis containing four electric motors that is built by each manufacturer. These motors can, in turn, be powered or supplemented by a range of sources such as a sustainably fuelled internal combustion engine, a battery or hydrogen fuel cell. Here are some links with more details:
- The future of motorsport: ADAC presents technology-open XT1 concept (DTM)
- ADAC Reveals XT1 Regulation Concept for GT and Touring Cars (Racecar Engineering)
- ADAC Lays Out Future Vision For GT Racing & Touring Cars With XT1 Concept (Daily Sportscar)
FIA Reports Progress Across Sustainability and D&I in 2024
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has published its 2024 Sustainability and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) report. The report shows the federation’s progress since the sustainability and D&I strategy was set out in 2020, and outlines its ongoing efforts to drive sustainable and inclusive practices across motorsport and mobility. It reaffirms the FIA’s commitment across both these areas, which remain a top priority for the FIA. You can read more details about the report here.
You can also read a Q&A with Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability, on the organization’s 2024 sustainability report and emissions growth here.
Toyota Envisions EoT to Allow Hydrogen Cars to Compete
Toyota has suggested that Equivalence of Technology rules could be revived to allow hydrogen-powered cars the chance to compete with conventional Hypercars when they make eventually their debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Asked if Toyota accepts that winning at Le Mans with hydrogen would be difficult before 2033, Nakajima responded by invoking the Equivalence of Technology (EoT) rules previously used to balance gasoline- and diesel-powered cars during the LMP1 era.
“It depends on the technical and sporting regulations,” said Nakajima. “In the past we had EoT between different fuel-based combustion engines. We would need something like this. But this is for the governing body to set up all the details, and we need a consensus with other manufacturers as well. It’s something we need to discuss together with the organizers and other manufacturers because there are a lot of topics for the future regulations right now.”
Mission H24 Progress Outlined With Hydrogen Ruleset On The Horizon
At a press conference during the WEC’s weekend at the Fuji Speedway last weekend, ACO president Pierre Fillon, Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe vice chairman Kazuki Nakajima and MissionH24 technical director Bassel Aslan shared specific details on the changes made to the demonstrator, which has undergone a switch from gaseous to liquid hydrogen storage this year.
With assistance from TGR, the H24EVO’s aerodynamics and cooling solutions have been improved after initial CFD studies identified weaknesses in the original design. Since June, when the partnership with Toyota was formalized, engineers from both groups have been holding weekly meetings to refine the car’s specification.
“The fuel cell and specific design require very different studies than a combustion prototype,” Aslan said. “Conducting this research with Toyota Gazoo Racing is a particularly exciting experience.” Read more at RACER.
WRC Rally Chile Bio Bío Earns FIA Three-Star Accreditation
WRC Rally Chile Bio Bío achieved the FIA’s highest environmental honour, the coveted Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, for setting a best-practice benchmark in motorsport stewardship. Following a meticulous audit, the event was recognized for demonstrating the highest standards of sustainability.
The deep and complex accreditation process examined the rally’s environmental framework, including its CO2 emissions calculations and procurement practices rooted in sustainability principles. With a well-structured Environmental Management System and a forward-looking communication plan, the rally commits to ongoing improvements, with its next audit slated for October 2027. More details on their sustainability strategy can be found here.
The Color of Race Week In Singapore? Green.
Grand Prix Week in Singapore is a luxurious, fine-dining, food-lover’s paradise, and refreshingly eco-friendly. “The entire city goes into overdrive during race weekend, but sustainability still remains a top priority for one of the world’s “greenest” destinations. As one of the most eco-friendly races on the calendar, the Singapore Grand Prix plans to halve energy emissions by 2028. Measures include using energy-efficient LED lights on the track to reduce energy by 30 percent and 1,300 solar panels that generate enough power for all the Formula 1 cars to complete the entire race 4.5 times. The focus on sustainability extends off track as well.”
From Track to Treasure
Team Penske fans are now able to own a piece of racing history through a unique and sustainable merchandise opportunity available at the team store inside its headquarters in Mooresville, NC. By reusing materials that would have otherwise been discarded, Team Penske is helping to promote sustainability in motorsports while providing fans with exclusive racing memorabilia. Check out the details at the Team Penske website.
Automóvil Club Boliviano Receives One-Star Rating from the FIA Environmental Accreditation Program
The Automóvil Club Boliviano (ACB) has been awarded one-star rating from the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme, marking a important recognition of the Club’s commitment to improve sustainability and environmental management. This rating acknowledges ACB’s dedication to implementing responsible practices that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable mobility within Bolivia.
Mercedes F1 and Motorsport UK Power UK Karting Championships with Sustainable Fuel
The Mercedes F1 team has announced that it recently joined forces with Motorsport UK to fund the use of sustainable fuels for a number of rounds of the IAME Waterswift Restricted Cadet Class, one of four classes within the British Kart Championships.
“The fuel used from Round Three of the series achieved a 55% reduction in emissions, demonstrating a shared commitment to create a sustainable future as part of our strategy to reduce environmental impact across motorsport.”
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
Imagining What Future Le Mans Hydrogen Cars Could be Like
Racecar Engineering decided to research what future hydrogen-powered race cars might look like. “To go deeper into what future hydrogen cars at Le Mans will be like, we attended a series of annual presentations held by MSc engineering students at Cranfield University in the UK.” Read more here.
H2-Oh! The Future of Hydrogen in Motorsports
Hydrogen isn’t new as a fuel in motorsports, but developments this year have been historic. Hydrogen-powered race cars competed or made demonstration runs at some of the world’s most iconic tracks, as organizations across the globe continued to promote hydrogen as a fuel for all mobility. PRI looks at the current status of hydrogen in motorsport.
FIA, McLaren & Deloitte: Are Recycled Cars the Future of F1?
Commissioned by the FIA, McLaren Racing and Deloitte have put together a circularity handbook to help measure the environmental impact of F1 chassis.’ After every Formula 1 race, hundreds of parts are removed from the cars and checked to see if they can be used again. Some parts, like tires and brake disks, are replaced after each race weekend. This, alongside constant car development and rule changes, can leave old parts without a use. It is hoped that the F1 Constructors’ Circularity Handbook will change this.
Read more about the initiative at Sustainability Magazine here.
Natural Fibre Composite Bodywork for Team Tras Power 135 TRD Hilux
Team Tras Power 135 TRD Hilux competed recently in the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) in Thailand. This is the fourth challenge for the team, with this year’s drivers being Masanao Nitta and Takayuki Monma.
The natural fibre bodywork of the rally car holds up incredibly well and manages to withstand the challenging and rough conditions during the tough racing where human and machine are pushed to the limits. This year, the team has decided to renew its vehicle by having a natural-coloured visible designed flax-based bodywork.
The Road to 2026 – The Science of Advanced Sustainable Fuel
As F1 accelerates toward a more sustainable future, the third video episode of the ‘Road to 2026’ series explores the cutting-edge development of advanced sustainable fuel. This installment highlights the collaborative efforts between the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and PETRONAS ahead of next year’s seismic regulatory changes, as together they push the boundaries of fuel technology. You can watch the video here.
Series News
Extreme H Prepares to Power Up
The entry list has been confirmed with 16 drivers across eight teams contesting the inaugural Extreme H World Cup. The FIA-sanctioned hydrogen-powered event, to be held in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, this weekend (9-11 October) welcomes a top-class lineup that will see 16 drivers compete across eight teams.
Here is some background on the event to bring you up to speed.
- XH – What is the FIA Extreme H World Cup? (FIA)
- Extreme H and the Next Era of Sustainable Racing (Sports Pundit)
- Hydrogen-Powered Motorsport: The FIA Extreme H World Cup (Sustainability Magazine)
Jameel Motorsport Enters Extreme E and FIA Extreme H World Cup with First and Only Saudi Team
Jameel Motorsport has announced its entry in Extreme E and the FIA Extreme H World Cup, with one of the most successful driver pairings in Extreme E history behind the wheel, Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor.
The championship’s first and only Saudi Arabian team, Team Jameel Motorsport will be competing in both Extreme H and Extreme E, beginning with Extreme E’s Final Lap (4th-5th October 2025) before the FIA Extreme H World Cup presented by PIF launches in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, the following week (9th-11th October 2025).
Extreme H Looks to Expand Sponsorship Program with Vmatch Collaboration
The new hydrogen-powered Extreme H series has partnered with consulting agency Vmatch as it looks to expand its commercial program ahead of its debut this weekend. “Vmatch has a proven track record of delivering creative, impactful brand collaborations, and we’re delighted to have them on board as we build out the commercial vision for the championship. Together, we will attract partners who want to be part of a pioneering journey in sport and sustainability.”
Extreme H Signs Multiple Broadcast Deals Ahead of Hydrogen Debut
The new hydrogen-powered Extreme H series has secured a range of broadcast agreements ahead of its debut World Cup event from 9th to 11th October including with DAZN, Aurora and more.
Porsche Pulls Plug on Factory Hypercar Program but Commits to Formula E
Porsche has revealed it will pull the plug on its factory Hypercar effort in the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of the year, amid a “comprehensive realignment” in the German manufacturer’s motorsport programs.
Porsche will place its focus on both the continued factory WeatherTech Championship effort as well as its works operation in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, along with supporting customer programs worldwide, including with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo that is set to debut next year.
“Continued participation in FE, which is moving to its Gen4 era for the 2026/27 campaign, will allow Porsche to “gain valuable insights for its electric production sports cars”, stated Porsche.”
TDK’s Big New Deal with Porsche Formula E Team Explained
The TDK name will continue to be seen in Formula E this season after it recently confirmed a partnership as the Official Technology Partner to both the Porsche Formula E Team and the Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team.
“At TDK we say, ‘In Everything, Better’ and the engineering mindset that Porsche has was similar. It’s our belief that we can contribute to success, both on the race track and then of course on the road as well, so it can be a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Formula E Wins BBC Green Sport Award
The BBC Green Sport Awards 2025 announced that the Formula E series was among this year’s winners: Hector Pardoe (Athlete of the Year), Héctor Bellerín (Global Champion) and Formula E (Pioneer Award). These awards honor the athletes, organizations, and initiatives that are leading the way in environmental sustainability across the world of sport.
Lagos Becomes First African Host of E1 Electric Powerboat Championship
Lagos has become the first African city to host the E1 electric powerboat championship, with the Victoria Island Lagoon serving as the venue for the inaugural E1 Lagos GP. The championship represents a significant milestone for motorsport in Africa, highlighting the continent’s capacity to host world-class events while advancing sustainability and technological innovation.
Abby Froehlich Joins the VChamp Series
American pro-racer Abby Froehlich has officially joined the VChamp Series for Season 1. This marks an incredible new chapter in Abby’s racing career — one fueled by passion, precision, and pure determination. The inaugural first series of the VChamp Series uses electric-powered open wheel cars and has both professional and rookie race levels.
Getting to the Track Sustainably
Ferrari Opens New Test Track as it Gears Up for First Electric Car
Ferrari has built a new test track next to its hallowed Fiorano proving ground as part of a plan to take its prototypes off public roads. Dubbed the E-Vortex and revealed in the same week that Ferrari will give the first official details of its debut electric car, the 1887-metre track is designed for “precise and repeatable testing in compliance with the highest safety standards”.
Hydrogen Still on the Table as Porsche Explores Future Fuels
Porsche are self-proclaimed game changers of the automotive industry and have a tendency to be omnipresent at major technological shifts in vehicle engineering. It was Ferdinand Porsche himself who designed the first ever petrol-electric car way back in 1900.
Now, a new character has emerged onto the international scene, namely hydrogen, with a volatile personality and an exciting range of applications, of course the great minds at Porsche were intrigued.
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.
