Motorsport is often seen as part of the emissions problem. Given this, what is the FIA doing to prove it can be part of the climate solution?
We’ve been around for over 120 years, and we’re not part of the problem—we’re part of the solution. Research and technological innovation are essential to finding climate solutions. Manufacturers play a crucial role. Formula One has the most thermally efficient engine in the world, but we still ask: is that enough? People think it's the noise and pollution, but that’s just perception. The actual numbers tell a different story. The FIA hasn’t always communicated the good we're doing—our R&D, our partnerships – but we have always been working behind the scenes. We’re also working with EU-based agencies to measure and reduce the environmental and biodiversity impacts of FIA events.
I believe more could have been done with the automobile industry's transition. Was it right to mandate electrification across all manufacturers? I think it could have been approached differently—set targets and work with manufacturers on how to reach them, whether through synthetic fuel, biofuel, hybrids, hydrogen, or electrification. Electrification is just one solution. Tesla had a 49% market share in Europe last month, and we’re pushing all options. By 2026, all FIA World Championship vehicles will be powered exclusively by 100% sustainable energy sources.
How is the FIA balancing environmental goals with the commercial realities of the automotive industry and the core appeal of motorsport?
We work closely with global partners—teams, promoters, and manufacturers. We own the championships and regularly engage with them to ensure we’re moving in the right direction. Manufacturers still need to sell cars. Consumers still need automotive options. We can work together to send the right message.
When we address sustainability, like with the new FIA F1 2026 regulations, we must address environmental goals, safety, cost, and fan engagement.
When people think of F1 emissions, they picture the cars, but where do the real environmental challenges lie, and how is the FIA addressing them?
Supply chains are a huge factor. For F1, up to 60% of a team’s carbon footprint comes from its supply chain. A single F1 race car contributes only ~0.7% of the championship's total emissions.
In a full season, all F1 cars combined burn less than 1% of the fuel a single commercial airliner uses in one day.
So, logistics matter, and it is here where we are working closely with our championship promoters and organisers to make the global calendars more efficient in terms of how much equipment and personnel we need to move around. We’re committed to a clear plan, sharing pressure with teams and manufacturers. On the more technical side, one of our biggest challenges is tires and brakes. We’re working with manufacturers for better solutions. We’ve also partnered with ADAC to analyse tire performance, ensuring safety while making them more sustainable.
Beyond what happens on track, what is the FIA doing to tackle the environmental impact of logistics and improve sustainability across the wider mobility ecosystem?
Logistics is the biggest issue. We've made progress on calendar optimization—2022 was an improvement, and 2023, 2024, and 2025 are even better. The recently released 2026 calendars are even better than that. We work with promoters to use common sense and regional grouping to reduce unnecessary travel.
We’ve enforced a strict three-star environmental accreditation for circuits, and in 2023 alone, we saw an 89.5% growth in certifications. We’re also doing work beyond F1: at COP29, we trained 5,000 bus and taxi drivers with the IRU. That led to a 95% rise in eco-driving awareness and an 11% average reduction in GHG emissions among participants.
What concrete steps is the FIA taking to reduce motorsport’s carbon footprint behind the scenes, particularly in areas like supply chains and event operations?
We’re working with teams like McLaren on initiatives like the Circularity Handbook, which is our first major step toward supply chain decarbonization. We're making changes where possible: generators at events now run on sustainable fuels. Some proposed changes, like removing tire warmers, were questioned because safety still comes first.
It’s all about balance. We don’t claim we’ve arrived—we keep innovating. When people say motorsport is a polluter, they don’t realize the numbers. We have 52% thermal efficiency in F1 engines, which is phenomenal. But transition takes time.
How is the FIA using its global reach to promote sustainability beyond racing, particularly in tourism and cross-border transport?
Sustainability in tourism isn’t just about fuel. It’s about education. Tourists should leave places as they found them—or better. Many leave waste behind due to a lack of awareness. That needs to change. The FIA is also responsible for vehicle customs and movement. At borders, trucks sometimes idle for days just to keep goods cool—that’s massive pollution.
We’re working with the IRU on a Green Line for trip tickets, turning them digital to avoid such delays. My role as UN Tourism Ambassador for Sustainability highlights FIA’s global influence. In places like Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, these changes have a greater impact. Europe already has the laws and infrastructure, but our resources can make a real difference elsewhere.
With rallying under pressure both financially and environmentally, how is the FIA reshaping the WRC to ensure it survives and thrives?
I’ve competed in rallying for 14 years—this is personal. We’ve made changes already, including appointing Malcolm Wilson as the new Deputy President for Sport at the FIA, a legend in the sporting world, and we’re engaging manufacturers and cutting car costs.
The new regulations will make the top category rally cars 50% cheaper than they are today. That’s essential—not just cost caps, but actual cost reductions. Otherwise, rallying won’t survive. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making sure the sport is sustainable for the long term.
