Sustainability at the Canadian Grand Prix is one of the items I am highlighting in this week’s edition of the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also look at the murky future of hydrogen at Le Mans, what the future holds for Hydrogen as fuel in modern engine design and Formula E without McLaren.
Sustainable Motorsport News
As the debate over extending the current GTP/Hypercar regulations continues, it is becoming clear that the hydrogen regulations being worked on by the ACO will not happen in the time-frame originally projected. “We don’t see a new generation of cars coming in 2030, especially as hydrogen seems far away, and even if it were to come in the end, it would need to be managed.”
Hampshire’s Silverlake Automotive Recycling has partnered with Team BRIT, the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers, based locally in Fareham. The team races head-to-head with able-bodied competitors.
“This isn’t just sponsorship,” said Allen Prebble, managing director of Silverlake. “It’s a shared mission to break barriers, both on the track and in society.”
The Canadian Grand Prix has implemented several sustainability initiatives as part of Formula 1’s broader commitment to becoming net zero by 2030. Key efforts include rescheduling the event to late May to reduce carbon emissions by optimizing logistics and avoiding unnecessary freight travel across the Atlantic. The event promotes sustainable transportation, with 97% of attendees using lower-carbon travel methods. Additionally, the Grand Prix engages local communities through programs like STEM education for youth and supports vulnerable groups.
These initiatives align with F1’s global sustainability goals, including waste reduction, renewable energy use, and community engagement to foster a more environmentally and socially responsible motorsport event.
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
Mike Copeland sat down with Lake Speed and Joe Castello on Hidden Horsepower to discuss Mike’s Hydrogen ICE engine development, the 1948 Chevy Truck, and what the future holds for Hydrogen as fuel in modern engine design.
Series News
Despite the exit of McLaren from Formula E, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has expressed optimism about the team currently known as NEOM McLaren continuing in Formula E beyond this season.
“Dodds explained Formula E’s unique position in the motorsport landscape means that a replacement name partner for McLaren doesn’t necessarily need to come from the motorsport or automotive space, with comparisons to sponsors like Tommy Hilfiger and Charlotte Tilbury – which lend their names to entries in the all-female F1 Academy series – as examples of similar scenarios.”
While McLaren’s exit will hurt the series, Jake Boxall-Legge at Autosport argues that it won’t hurt it as much as when Mercedes left.
Jeff Dodds has also stated that once the current contract with ExCel London, legendary British circuit Brands Hatch might be a good track for the series to race on. “I love the fact you can see the entire racetrack laid out in front of you from where you are, and close to London [Brands is 27 miles from central London], and it would be ours, right, it would be a World Championship circuit for us.”
While the series is optimistic about racing near London, they are less optimistic now of racing in Thailand. “As you know, they have said things publicly about an ambition for Formula 1. So it sounds like that’s where their focus is. So let’s see. I never say never, but it’s not top focus for me.”
Formula E has announced details of a new four-part docuseries, available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide starting May 2.
“Formula E: Driver” delves into the lives of four prominent names from the electric open-wheel series throughout the 2023-24, with TAG Heuer Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa, Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans, Andretti’s Jake Dennis, and Dan Ticktum of ERT (now Cupra Kiro). You can watch the trailer above.
Sam Smith of The Race looks at what makes this documentary really glow. “There are two clear stars of the four hour-long episodes: Antonio Felix da Costa and Dan Ticktum. They each lend great and genuine discernment into their characters and how they are slaves to racing and trying to win.”
Formula E VP of Sustainability Julia Pallé recently spoke at the Greater London Authority on Formula E’s economic impact to the city, helping bring in £230m last year across multiple sporting events held in the capital. Their recently released report reveals the details of how these major sporting events delivered a £230 million boost to London’s economy in addition to attracting over 200 million global viewers.
The NXT Gen Cup will retain its close partnership with tire manufacturer Hankook, which will once again serve as the official tire supplier for the 2025 season. “We’re delighted to have Hankook on board for a third consecutive season,” said Fredrik Lestrup, founder and series manager of NXT Gen Cup. “From day one, Hankook has shared our vision of a sustainable, performance‑driven platform for young drivers. Their tyres have proven perfectly matched to the LRT NXT1’s electric powertrain, and their ongoing commitment to environmental innovation makes this partnership an ideal fit.”
Getting to the Track Sustainably
- Longbow to build “featherweight” electric sportscars (PMW)
- Rev Up with INSTEROID: Hyundai Motor’s Gaming-Inspired Concept Car Debuts in Seoul (Hyundai)
- The New Legacy of High-Performance Electrified Vehicles (Lamborghini)
- Ferrari F40 Re-Evolution – the ecological revolution with a roaring engine (Maja Czarzasty-Zybert)
- World First: McMurtry Spéirling Defies Gravity in Historic Upside-Down Drive…(Pitlane News)
- A big battery breakthrough could upend the auto industry (Quartz)
- Warnings raised over sustainability of HVO fuel amid fraud claim (MotorTransport)
- United’s futuristic new 250-person plane will be like a ‘living room in the sky’ (Business Insider)
- Startup hopes ‘blended wing’ jet could upend Boeing and Airbus duopoly (Business Insider)
- Study proves health benefits of low emission zones (Transport & Energy)
- Deutsche Aircraft prepares to fly D328eco testbed, focusing on SAF rather than novel propulsion technologies (Green Air News)
- Qantas and Airbus pursue SAF technologies through venture capital investment (Green Air News)
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.
