The FIA is tackling the issue of F1 microplastics and particulates in a test project at the Dutch Grand Prix and I have the details in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also have the tech behind a hydrogen land speed record and more!
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
How an FIA Research Project at Zandvoort is Testing New Ways to Capture Particles from Road Runoff
The Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort is the setting for an FIA research project testing whether tire wear particles along with other pollutants such as microplastics and dust, carried by rainwater can be captured and filtered before they leave the site, work the FIA hopes will ultimately be of more use to everyday road traffic than to racing.
“With road cars we’ve had particles being emitted not only by the power unit, but also by brakes and tires. Those particles are released into the air and into the ground. When it rains, the stormwater collects the particles and can carry them into waterways and, potentially over time, into the sea. It is a growing problem for society, but we think that motor sport can help tackle the issue.”
Read more about the research here and at Sustainability Magazine here.
How Can a Grand Prix Reduce its Environmental Impact?
From its approach to environmental management to achieving the highest level of the FIA Sustainability Accreditation, discover how the Dutch Grand Prix is working to reduce its impact in their LinkedIn post here.
Lusail International Circuit Named Most Improved in Sustainable Circuits Index 2026
In a new achievement reflecting the growing momentum of its sustainability journey, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has been named the Most Improved and Biggest Mover circuit in the Sustainable Circuits Index 2026.
The achievement follows a significant leap in the circuit’s rating this year, gaining 17 points and climbing 31 places in the global rankings, marking the largest year-on-year improvement of any circuit included in the assessment
Vauxhall Joins Rali Ceredigion in Sustainability Partnership
Vauxhall has been named the official vehicle partner for Rali Ceredigion. The British manufacturer will supply a fleet of 10 electrified New Astra and Grandland models to support the rally’s environmental goals and reduce emissions across the event’s operational footprint.
These vehicles will serve as official safety vehicles, transporting members of the organising team through the stages to check safety and compliance before the competition begins.
Racing for Charity: Porsche donates 500,000 Euros to Seriously Ill Children Worldwide
Porsche is donating 500,000 euros to seriously ill children worldwide as part of its “Racing for Charity” initiative. The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer is once again underlining its social commitment.
“Porsche wants to give something back to society. That is why, with Racing for Charity, we support seriously ill children worldwide,” says Dr. Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “Our factory team fought in Formula E not only for World Championship titles, but also for the highest possible donation amount.”
Full Circle Lithium Corp. Partners with Joey Gase Motorsports for Multiple Races in 2026
Full Circle Lithium Corp. and its FCL-X fire-extinguishing solution have partnered with Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen for a multi-race NASCAR program during the 2026 season, beginning with a primary sponsorship appearance at Daytona International Speedway.
FCL-X™ is a proprietary, non-hazardous, water-based fire-extinguishing agent developed specifically for lithium-ion battery fire incidents. According to Full Circle Lithium, the product is designed to rapidly cool battery cells, interrupt the chemical reactions associated with thermal runaway, reduce hazardous off-gassing and help mitigate the risk of reignition.
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
Hydrogen JCB Streamliner Hits 406mph at Bonneville
The JCB Hydromax streamliner attained 406.320mph (653.909km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats to set a new FIA speed record for hydrogen internal combustion engine cars. Racecar Engineering looks at the technology behind the record.
Series News
IndyCar To Introduce Updated Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel in 2027
IndyCar and Shell announced Aug. 21 that an updated formulation of Shell’s 100% Renewable Race Fuel* will be introduced for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
The new fuel, announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., builds on the renewable race fuel program launched in 2023 and continues INDYCAR’s commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in motorsports.
Beginning in 2027, all NTT INDYCAR SERIES entries will compete using an updated fuel formulation supplied by Shell. The new fuel incorporates a significant portion of domestically sourced renewable ethanol produced from the waste stream of a grain mixture-based distilling process and is blended with additional renewable components to create a 100% Renewable Race Fuel.
FIA to Ban Team Collusion in Formula E from Next Season
The FIA will enforce its sporting regulations more strictly in Formula E’s Gen4 era to clamp down on teams colluding to “manipulate” races. The General Provisions for the 2026-27 season, published in June, includes a new clause directly aimed at teams colluding to orchestrate races.
“Pursuant to Appendix M (Manipulation of Competition) to the FIA International Sporting Code, any concerted instruction or agreement between competitors entered under the same manufacturer that interferes with race action or is intended to influence the result of a race is prohibited,” it stated.
“Any competitor, manufacturer and/or driver involved may be subject to disciplinary measures and/or sporting penalties in accordance with the applicable FIA regulations.”
A Different Race: Formula E’s Road Leading the Future of Motorsport
Formula E is far more than just an electric version of Formula 1. Sure, comparisons will always follow the series. After all, it’s a single-seater world championship series governed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), racing around some of the most famous circuits in the world. But, as they say, comparison is the thief of joy. And to uncover the beauty of Formula E, you must take all preconceived notions and throw them out the window. The Paddock Journal goes inside the brilliance of the most sustainable sport in the world.
The Race to 2030: Speed and Sustainability in Formula 1
Formula 1 faces a difficult challenge: how do you make a sport built around speed and technological extremes more sustainable without sacrificing what makes it compelling? This TU Delft feature explores the race toward F1’s 2030 sustainability goals, examining how advances in hybrid power, sustainable fuels, energy efficiency and logistics could reduce the sport’s environmental impact. It also considers the tension between F1’s relentless pursuit of performance and the need to make that pursuit more sustainable.
Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor to Lead Veloce Racing into FIA Extreme H World Cup
Veloce Racing has confirmed that Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor will reunite with the team for the 2026 FIA Extreme H World Cup to be held in Qiddiya City, as the event continues to pioneer a new era of hydrogen-powered off-road racing.
Getting to the Track Sustainably
- eVTOL Aircraft Are Ready for Liftoff. Now Comes the Race for a Place to Land (Robb Report)
- Top 10: Sustainable Logistics Companies (Sustainability Magazine)
- From Measurement to Movement: Sport Tackles the Carbon Cost of Spectator Travel (Global Sustainable Sport)
- The End of “Trust Us”: Why Delta Air Lines is Getting Sued Over Being ‘Carbon-Neutral’ (And What It Means for the Future) (Climate Cooperative)
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. 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.
