The JCB Hydromax is aiming to break several speed records as it uses hydrogen-powered engines to power its attempt, and I have the details in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also have details on the latest FIA sustainability report, the growth of alternative fuels and more!
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
JCB Hydromax Aims to Break Land Speed Record
JCB is returning to the world of land speed records after two decades away with a new hydrogen-fuelled streamliner. The British heavy machinery manufacturer is developing a 9.75-metre long car called the JCB Hydromax, which will be propelled by two production-based, hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines producing a combined 1600bhp.
“This is not just about speed – it’s about showcasing the world-class engineering talent we have here in the UK and the robustness of our new hydrogen engines. JCB Dieselmax was always a bit of an unusual idea – but it proved a point. Putting an advanced engine into a land-speed car showed the world what it could do in a way a digger never could.”
“It’s the same thinking with hydrogen today. If you’re serious about emissions, you have to be serious about hydrogen – and a land-speed project is the perfect way to prove it.”
When RACER asked why JCB is doing this, the answer was straightforward. “Why not?” JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford pondered to assembled media, including RACER, earlier this week. “But also, it is a good way of showing the improvements in technology, particularly in hydrogen, and showing hydrogen working at extreme temperatures, and I think it’s a good way to show to our customers… they’ve got engines, which probably only do 30 miles an hour, but it’s good because we sell engines to other people, and I think that shows the stretch.”
The FIA 2025 Sustainability and D&I Report is Here
The latest sustainability report from the FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has put a spotlight on Formula 1’s continued environmental and carbon-reduction efforts worldwide.
“In 2025, the FIA strengthened the frameworks, standards and tools that help Member Clubs, championships, and events turn environmental ambition into measurable action,” said Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism.
Sector points out the Key highlights of the report which include:
- 2026 regulations – F1 has introduced a 50/50 hybrid engine split along with advanced sustainable duels and safer cars, all while increasing competition.
- Global progress – Sport-wide carbon emissions have been reduced by 26% through FIA and F1 initiatives.
- European races – 90% reduction in energy emissions through centralised, low-carbon power systems across the paddock, pit lane and event technical centres.
- Logistics – DHL cut emissions by using HVO-powered trucks across European races and is continuing to explore measures to support further reductions, according to Head of Motor Sports Logistics Paul Fowler.
- Advanced Sustainable Fuels – Reduction of 1,268.93 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions, representing approximately 4.48% of the FIA’s total emissions and 22.42% of logistics-related emissions.
You can read the full report here.
Auto Racing May Not Seem Green, but IMS Takes Eco-Friendly Steps
If the thought of eco-friendly motorsports might raise a few eyebrows, sports sustainability experts say that at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, these programs aren’t just buzzwords. From biofuels to soybean tires, composting and carbon offsets, IndyCar is awash with sustainability initiatives.
“In the grand scheme of things, the carbon footprint of sports is relatively tiny,” she said, comparing it to emissions from industry, transportation and electricity production. “However, people think it is huge because they see us. We’re very visible.”
Read the full article at the Indy Star here.
FIM Sustainability Week
FIM Sustainability Week takes place from 1 to 7 June 2026, marking the sixth anniversary of this strategic commitment that the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme has embraced with conviction, consistency and long-term vision.
This year, their Sustainability Week aligns naturally with World Environment Day 2026, dedicated to climate change under a powerful and timely message: “The signals are clear. What comes next is up to us. hashtag#NowForClimate.”
Read more about FIM Sustainability Week here.
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
ETS Racing Fuels Powers FIA Karting with 100% Sustainable Fuel
ETS Racing Fuels, a brand of Haltermann Carless, has announced an agreement with FIA Karting for the 2026 season as the fuel supplier for karting competitions and championships, including the Mondokart FIA Karting World Championship.
From this season, all karts competing in FIA Karting OK, Junior, OKN and KZ European and World Championship events will use Renewablaze® K1 R100, ETS Racing Fuels’ high-performance motorsport fuel with 100% certified advanced sustainable components derived from biomass waste. It is a drop-in solution for kart mechanics, with tuning settings similar to conventional fossil fuels, and delivers a relative reduction of over 55% in greenhouse gas emissions* – all without compromising performance.
Beyond the racetrack, ETS Racing Fuels is also committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations. All logistics supporting FIA Karting – including fuel transportation to race venues – will be powered by sustainable diesel, further minimising the overall carbon footprint of the series.
“We are proud to support FIA Karting as it continues to lead the way in sustainable motorsport,” said Yann Labia, Global Manager of ETS Racing Fuels. “We consider this a strategic opportunity to engage future top drivers in environmental awareness by facilitating early exposure to cleaner fuel technologies. Our Renewablaze® K1 R100 racing fuel shows that environmental responsibility and high performance can go hand in hand, while the use of our ETS trackside laboratory ensures fuel consistency and a level playing field across the grid.”
“FIA Karting is committed to a sustainable future for the next generation both on and off the track,” said Jacob Nortoft, FIA Head of Karting. “As one of the first FIA championships to adopt sustainable fuels, appointing ETS Racing Fuels as a fuel supplier strengthens our proud commitment to innovation, sustainability, and environmental responsibility across karting. We look forward to welcoming ETS to the paddock as they power the rising stars on track this season.”
Alternative Fuels On the Rise at 24h Nürburgring
The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance tests for both drivers and machines, making it an ideal proving ground for alternative fuels. An increasing number of teams are racing with biofuels or eFuels to show that high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Teams such as Max Kruse Racing and Griesemann Motorsport are leading the way with different approaches to alternative fuel technology.
Read more about the use of alternative fuels at the Nürburgring 24H here.
Firestone Goes Green at the Indy 500
The June 2026 issue of Race Tech magazine features an article on Firestone and sustainable tire technology at the Indy 500. “Bridgestone Americas chief engineer for motorsports Cara Krstolic tells Chris Pickering about Firestone’s bid to introduce sustainable tire concepts at the Indianapolis 500.”
You can order your copy here.
New Goodyear FIA ETRC Tire Made From 60% Sustainable Materials
All drivers in the 2026 Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship will compete on Goodyear tires made with 60% sustainable materials. The new-for-2026 tyre is an improvement on its previous truck racing tyre, which incorporated 55% sustainable materials.
This development reflects Goodyear’s ongoing commitment to increasing sustainability in top-level truck racing and underlines the importance of environmental progress in the championship.
Series News
How One Calendar Change Cut Nearly Three Per Cent of F1’s Total Emissions
For years, Canada was the obvious anomaly in Formula 1’s sustainability plans. Ellen Jones, F1’s Head of ESG, tells Sector how the sport finally fixed it. “Set against the sport’s 2024 annual footprint – the most recent full year of data available – the Canada move alone accounts for a reduction of nearly 3% of F1’s total emissions.”
Read the full article at Sector here.
F1 Must End its Road Relevance Chase for Good
Mark Hughes of The Race explains how Formula 1 should end its chase for road relevance for good. “So yes. A move back to largely internal combustion engines which will once more demand that the drivers drive at their limits, thereby reverting it to a sporting contest, will be very positive change. But did we really need to prove the unsuitability of mixing batteries with downforce in F1? Wasn’t it already obvious?“
How Jeff Dodds is Re-Defining Sustainable Sport
Jeff Dodds is using AI and electrification to turn a sustainable championship into a high-speed sandbox for future mobility. Sustainability Magazine explains how. “I wanted to do something really purposeful that I felt passionate about, and I have a passion for motorsport. You put those three things together and this would be it.”
Formula E to Make Goodwood Festival of Speed Debut as Official Partner
For the first time in its history, Formula E will join the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of motorsport’s most iconic events, as an Official Partner. Aligning with this year’s theme, ‘The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels’, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will showcase over a decade of electric evolution, through a landmark display featuring every generation of Formula E car, from GEN1 through to the all-new GEN4, set to debut next season.
All four generations of Formula E machinery will take to the hill climb simultaneously, providing a live visual timeline of the Championship’s rapid technological ascent.
FIA’s Extreme H: A Breakthrough in Hydrogen EV Mobility
Extreme H’s desert racing in Saudi Arabia proved hydrogen fuel cells can withstand extreme motorsport conditions, advancing clean mobility development. Sustainability Magazine looks into how Extreme H is breaking barriers in hydrogen.
“The first reaction from many people when we talk about hydrogen vehicles is to first ask about safety, particularly fire safety. We had zero safety issues over six days of fierce competition and the average road car will never see more than 10% of the forces the Pioneer 25 was subjected to.”
What Will the Second Hydrogen Racing World Cup Involve?
Energy Digital explains what the second Extreme H World Cup will involve. “This competition provides an important platform to test hydrogen fuel cell technology in a demanding, high-performance environment, while supporting the FIA’s wider commitment to innovation, sustainability and safety.”
Getting to the Track Sustainably
- Porsche’s Taycan Just Became the Fastest EV in Nürburgring History Once Again (Robb Report)
- Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit sets new record with a time of 06:55.533 minutes (Porsche)
- Menzies Aviation: Driving Sustainable Aviation with EVs (EV Magazine)
- Swedish SAF Project Receives Major Funding Boost (AIN)
- IBA Shows Carbon Intensity Dip but Emissions Still Rising (AIN)
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.
