Formula 1 is under pressure over its Aramco sponsorship and in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup you will find out why. I also have news on FIA’s new e-karting initiative, regulations over sustainable energy in motorsport and much more!
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
FIFA, Formula 1, ICC Under Fire For Aramco Sponsorships
Forbes is reporting that six of the world’s largest sports organizations — FIFA, Formula 1, the International Cricket Council (ICC), Concacaf, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, and ASO, the organizer of the Dakar Rally — are being scrutinized for their sponsorship agreements with Saudi oil company Aramco.
A coalition of professional athletes and ten human rights and climate organizations sent each of the sports organizations a letter, notifying them that their sponsorship agreements with Aramco “may place them in breach of international human rights standards.”
Sustainable Energy for All FIA Motorsport
The FIA World Council has approved new regulations for sustainable energy in FIA-sanctioned motorsport events. Article 266 defines the general regulatory framework applicable to all energy sources used in FIA competitions, namely liquid fuels, electric power and hydrogen (both liquid and gaseous).
Its objective is to establish common principles that ensure safety and promote the transition toward sustainable mobility. It details specific provisions related to each energy type and is the first time this information has been made available as a singular resource.
FIA Introduces New E-Karting Categories
Karting has additional technical and homologation regulations for junior and senior e-karting, expanding upon the existing e-karting technical regulations.
Junior and senior classes are limited to 60V, with centrally positioned batteries. Following extensive testing, the FIA will now homologate electric drivetrains, with power capped at 23kW for junior and 28kW for senior classes.
Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting commission president, said, “E-karting presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of global karting and these regulations will unlock fresh possibilities for events and championships around the world. With the launch of new e-karting classes, the inaugural Arrive and Drive Continental Championships and the largest FIA Karting calendar to date, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for karting.”
On reviewing the new regulations, VroomKart feels that something is off. “That said, at least the image that the FIA circulated on the occasion of this announcement raises some doubts, since that kart seems structured in a way that is not common to any of the karts that serve as a guideline in the sector and that have been tested, developed, and currently compete in different parts of the world in real competitions: the Rotax E20 and the BSR E-Kart.”
FIA Environmental Accreditation Program Grew by 45% in 2024
In 2024, the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme grew by 45% strengthening environmental standards, and supporting our Members on the path to more sustainable operations.
One All Sports Partners with Evertreen to Drive a Greener Future for Motorsport Fans
In a powerful step toward sustainability, One All Sports, a global leader in sustainable sportswear apparel and innovative teamwear, has partnered with Evertreen, an international reforestation platform, to support environmental regeneration through tree planting.
They have gone one step further to plant more trees through every purchase received from their loyal customers from their online orders. They’re on a mission to also encourage their B2B customers to join the initiative.
Motorsport UK is Looking for a Sustainability Manager
Motorsport UK embarked on its sustainability journey in 2021 with the launch of our dedicated strategy. Since then, we have established a specialist sustainability team and made significant progress in laying the foundations for long-term impact. We have successfully mapped our carbon emissions both within the organization and across the wider sport. To support grassroots efforts, we developed tools such as a carbon calculator to help clubs assess the environmental footprint of their events. Additionally, we’ve worked closely with internal stakeholders, including the Technical team, to integrate sustainable propulsion technologies into the future of motorsport.
The Sustainability Manager will lead these initiatives, ensuring they maintain momentum and receive the cross-organizational support needed to succeed. While the primary focus of this role is environmental sustainability, the postholder will also contribute to our inclusion work (1.5 days per week), supporting the wider team and our consultancy partners in delivering Motorsport UK’s inclusion strategy.
Although our sustainability strategy aligns with all aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this role is specifically focused on environmental sustainability. The Sustainability Manager will work closely with colleagues specializing in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and community programs to ensure a joined-up approach across all areas of impact.
Get more details here.
FIA Seeking a Sustainability F1 Project Manager
Join the FIA and take on a role where environmental strategy meets the technological frontier of the world’s most prestigious motorsport championship!
As the Sustainability F1 Project Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of Formula 1. You will work as part of a collaborative effort between the FIA, the Commercial Rights Holder, and F1 Teams to achieve the sport’s 2030 sustainability targets, including the goal of net-zero carbon.
You will be at the centre of the action, contributing to a legacy of environmental responsibility and securing the long-term future of the sport at the highest level. You will report to the Sport Sustainability Lead with a functional link to the Head of Single Seater Strategic Development.
Full details can be found here.
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
The New Škoda Enyaq RS Race Concept Car Features Sustainable Materials
Bcomp has collaborated with Škoda Motorsport to develop the 2025 Enyaq RS Race, an all-electric concept car inspired by Škoda’s ‘Rally DNA’, thanks to the latest Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 model.
Based on the Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS production model, featuring new upgrades and innovative technology demonstrations. The integration of sustainable materials and technologies positions the Enyaq RS Race as a unique pilot project and proof point for future Škoda Auto production models.
Could the Future Hold Recycled F1 Cars?
Sustainability Magazine asks the question, could the future hold recycled F1 cars? Read their article here to find out.
Sustainable Racing
NXT Gen Cup Champion Lukas Stiefelhagen Handed BMW M Racing Academy Shootout Wildcard
BMW M Motorsport has awarded a coveted wildcard to 2025 NXT Gen Cup Champion Lukas Stiefelhagen, granting the 18-year-old Dutch driver a direct invitation to the official BMW M Racing Academy shootout this October.
Stiefelhagen claimed the all-electric junior touring car title after a standout season in the MINI Cooper SE-based LRT NXT1, taking seven wins across 14 races and securing the championship during the final round together with DTM at Sachsenring.
The wildcard secures Lukas a spot in the BMW M Racing Academy shootout in Munich on October 27–28 – and showcases the reputation NXT Gen Cup has built as a launchpad for young drivers with professional ambitions.
By awarding the wildcard, BMW M Motorsport highlights the potential of all-electric racing as a platform for developing racecraft and driver skills – and underlines how NXT Gen Cup is becoming a scouting ground for top-tier motorsport programs.
Series News
Sanya Returns While Formula E Updates Sporting and Financial Regulations
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will return to the vibrant coastal city of Sanya for Round 12 of Season 12 in June, marking the series’ first visit to the city since Season 5 (2018/19).
Sanya joins Shanghai on the Season 12 calendar, with China now hosting two events in a single season – a clear reflection of the country’s strategic importance to Formula E and its longstanding place in the series’ history. It’s also a testament to China’s strong interest in Formula E, underlining the nation’s role as a key market and enthusiastic supporter of all-electric racing made possible through the support of the Government of Sanya, as well as trusted partners Sanya Lian Xin.
Full details on the Season 12 schedule and changes to the Formula E regulations can be found here.
Formula E Deliver UK Update as London Contract End Nears
Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has ruled out the series continuing to race in London’s ExCeL Centre from Gen4, which will be introduced at the end of 2026 (Season 13). What has been stressed by Longo, is that the championship will not leave the UK, with both Silverstone and Brands Hatch still holding conversations to host the category in 2027.
Citroën Unveils the Single-Seater That Will Carry Its Colors in Formula E
Citroën has unveiled their Formula E livery as they join the series for Season 12. “We are very proud to be officially joining the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. We bring with us the same determination to learn, progress and perform that has enabled Citroën to succeed every time it has entered a new championship, such as Rally Raid, WRC or WTCC. . Motorsport is a field that has shaped Citroën’s history and legend for more than 60 years. It is the beating heart of automotive passion.”
“By joining a 100% electric, responsible and committed competition, we are sharing strong, forward-looking values. An electric, innovative and passionate adventure that embodies our vision for the mobility of tomorrow. It is a competition format in the heart of cities, which allows us to reach a young and connected audience. It offers a tremendous source of technological inspiration and an international showcase for the Brand. Finally, this single-seater sports a tricolour livery, reflecting our pride in representing French expertise on the racetrack.” Xavier Chardon – CEO Citroën
The Race explains the full story behind Citroen’s arrival in single-seater racing
Extreme H FIA World Cup: Can Hydrogen Be The Future Of Motorsport?
The first ever hydrogen-powered FIA-accredited motorsport event took place in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia last weekend. Called Extreme H, the heir to the previously all-battery powered Extreme E, it pushed hydrogen to its limits across rough terrain in 38C (100F) temperatures. The unanimous consensus was that the event was a success both technologically and as a sporting spectacle. James Morris of Forbes asked the key players behind Extreme H where this would position hydrogen in motorsport and beyond.
“There are also a lot of myths with hydrogen that the car will crash and blow up,” says Alejandro Agag. “But we had rolls, we had crashes, and you can see that hydrogen is perfectly safe. This was a good message for the racing.”
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.
