How can Formula 1 cars become carbon neutral?

F1 announced that they would change the cars to being carbon neutral, so I decided to discover more about the topic.
Grade 6

Problem

How can formula 1 cars go carbon neutral and still exceed 300 KM, since they do have electric formula 1 cars, but they hardly go 200 KM

Method

  • Hybrid Power Units: F1 plans to transition to more sustainable power units by adding hybrid technology. These hybrid power units will combine traditional internal combustion engines with energy recovery systems to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
  • Sustainable Fuels: F1 aims to introduce sustainable fuels made from bio-based sources or synthetic sources. The new fuel will have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuels. By using these sustainable fuels, F1 can really reduce the overall carbon emissions produced by their cars during races. 
  • Energy Recovery Systems: By adding regenerative brakes and heat recovery systems, the cars will produce less emission.

Improving Aerodynamics: Formula 1 plans on further improving the cars aerodynamics to allow for better fuel efficiency. More streamlined designs can reduce drag and lead to better performance.

Research

  1. What is Formula 1?
  • Formula 1 is the highest class of international auto racing for single seating-formula racing cars.
  • It is authorized by the Fédération International de l’Automobile.
  • It’s called “Formula 1” because it refers to a set of rules and regulations that all participants need to follow.
  • Formula 1 consists of several races, known as Grand Prixs, held on different circuits around the world.
  • They are some of the fastest cars in the world, reaching speeds that pass 300 km/h.
  • Formula 1 is followed by several people worldwide, and it is known for its cutting-edge technology and high-speed racing.

 

  1. History of Formula 1.
  • The first Formula 1 world championship was held in 1950, and it has been held every year ever since.
  • The first race was on the Silverstone Track in Britain, and was won by Guiseppe Farina, a driver for the Alfa Romeo Team.
  • During the early years of F1, it was mainly dominated by European drivers and teams, but beginning in the 1960s, new teams and drivers started coming from around the world.
  • The first non-european driver to win a championship was the American, Phil Hill, who won his title in 1961 driving for Ferrari.
  • Formula One originated from the European Motor Racing Championships of the 1920s and 1930s.
  • In the 1970s and the 1980s, F1 saw many changes including the introduction of ground effect cars, turbo-charged engines, and electronic aids for the drivers.
  • These changes made the cars faster, and more technologically advanced, but it also caused a lot more safety concerns.
  • These concerns caused FIA to add more safety regulations, such as mandatory safety belts, clothing that is fire resistant, and a cockpit that protects the driver.
  • These measures have helped reduce injuries and accidents. 

 

  1. Evolution of F1 cars.
  • Formula 1 cars have undergone significant evolution since the beginning of the sport in the early 1950s. The evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, changes in regulations, safety improvements, and the goal for greater speed and performance.
  • 1950s-1960s: The Early Years
    • In the early years, formula 1 cars had a simple tube shaped chassis, with the engine mounted at the front.
    • The cars were powered by naturally aspirated engines with a capacity of 2.0 liters to 2.5 liters. 
    • Aerodynamic design wasn’t a big focus, because the cars relied on mechanical grip.
  • 1970s-1980s: The Era of Ground Effects
    • The chassis became monocoque, allowing for improved safety and rigidity.
    • Turbocharged engines were introduced with a power output exceeding 1000 horsepower.
    • Ground effects were also introduced, and the use of venturi tunnels allowed for more downforce and better turning speeds.
  • 1990s-2000s: Technological Advancements
    • A carbon fiber monocoque style chassis became the standard. This enhances strength, and reduces the overall weight of the car.
    • The naturally aspirated engines became V10 power units, and later on, evolved to V8 power units.
    • Throughout this time period, there was a larger focus on an aerodynamic car to balance performance and fuel efficiency.
  • 2010s-now: Hybrid Power Units and Safety Advancements
    • There has been more focus on safety by improving the cockpit protection and impact structures.
    • Hybrid power units have been introduced, combining engines with energy recovery systems.
    • There has also been a large focus on aerodynamics, to balance performance and fuel efficiency.

 

  1. What does F1 mean by “Net Zero”?
  • Formula 1 uses the term “Net Zero” to refer to their goal of achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they produce, and the amount that is removed from the atmosphere.
  • Their plan is not only making the cars net zero, but also making sure that their overall actions are net zero as well.
  • This means making race operations, travel, and events as close as possible to no emissions.
  • By reducing emissions through technological advancements, energy-efficient measures, and offsetting unavoidable emissions, F1 aims to lead the way for better environment protection in the world of motorsport.
  • In 2019, Formula 1 launched its plan to reach Net Zero Carbon emission by 2030.

 

  1. How does F1 plan on meeting their target?
  • Hybrid Power Units: F1 plans to transition to more sustainable power units by adding hybrid technology. These hybrid power units will combine traditional internal combustion engines with energy recovery systems to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
  • Sustainable Fuels: F1 aims to introduce sustainable fuels made from bio-based sources or synthetic sources. The new fuel will have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuels. By using these sustainable fuels, F1 can really reduce the overall carbon emissions produced by their cars during races. 
  • Energy Recovery Systems: By adding regenerative brakes and heat recovery systems, the cars will produce less emission.
  • Improving Aerodynamics: Formula 1 plans on further improving the cars aerodynamics to allow for better fuel efficiency. More streamlined designs can reduce drag and lead to better performance.

 

  1. Future.
  • The future of Formula 1 is going to be shaped by a lot of technological advancements, and the goal of being more sustainable. As the overall automotive industry is making a move towards electric vehicles, F1 plans on doing the same. This could include fully electric racing series, or the continued development of their hybrid engines. The teams are going to keep pushing for innovation to make F1 cars faster, safer, and more sustainable in the coming years.






 

 

 

Data

None

Conclusion

  • The future of Formula 1 is going to be shaped by a lot of technological advancements, and the goal of being more sustainable. As the overall automotive industry is making a move towards electric vehicles, F1 plans on doing the same. This could include fully electric racing series, or the continued development of their hybrid engines. The teams are going to keep pushing for innovation to make F1 cars faster, safer, and more sustainable in the coming years.

Citations

“F1 Origins.” Formula One Art & Genius, https://www.f1-grandprix.com/?page_id=222. Accessed 15 February 2024.

 

Hunter, James D., et al. “The Evolution of Formula One Car Design: A Journey Through the Decades.” Wheel Sports, 8 April 2023, https://wheelsports.co/the-evolution-of-formula-one-car-design-a-journey-through-the-decades/. Accessed 15 February 2024.

 

F1 - The Official Home of Formula 1® Racing, https://formula1.com. Accessed 15 February 2024.

 

Wynn, Lucas. “The Evolution of the F1 Car.” My Car Heaven, 10 October 2023, https://mycarheaven.com/2023/10/the-evolution-of-the-f1-car/. Accessed 15 February 2024.

 

Barretto, Lawrence. “Net Zero Carbon: How Formula 1 is going to meet this ambitious target by 2030 | Formula 1®.” F1, 28 September 2022, https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.net-zero-carbon-how-formula-1-is-going-to-meet-this-ambitious-target-by-2030.5QsK9NpYbz7pXp7423I3iJ.html. Accessed 15 February 2024.

 

Noble, Jonathan. “F1's engine future will be driven by road relevance, says FIA.” Motorsport.com, 4 January 2024, https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-engine-future-road-relevance-fia/10562318/. Accessed 15 February 2024.

 

Acknowledgement

Thanks to my sister for inspiring me into doing this science fair project.