How can Formula 1 logistics operations be optimized in terms of sustainability
Initial situation
Formula 1 is the premier class in motorsport. Formula 1 is known for its speed and technological innovation. Its speed is also important for logistics. Formula 1 travels to races on different continents every year. Tons of material, vehicles and personnel have to be transported in the shortest possible time. However, the logistical effort is associated with considerable CO₂ emissions and environmental pollution. In recent years, there has been a rethink around the world. And the pressure on Formula 1 to implement more sustainable solutions and reduce its ecological footprint has also increased. Formula 1 has developed a sustainability strategy to become climate-neutral by 2030 as part of the global climate targets and under public scrutiny. This applies not only to the drives of the racing cars but also to the entire logistics chain. This includes everything from transportation and packaging to the energy supply of the event venue There are still numerous challenges that Formula 1 and the teams have to overcome. They have to combine the requirements of efficiency and sustainability.
Relevance of the work
Sustainability is more important today than ever before. Climate change is leading to an increase in environmental disasters Governments around the world are trying to prevent this by adopting new sustainability targets and regulations. Naturally, the pressure on Formula 1 to make the sport more sustainable is increasing. More and more companies are spending their sponsorship money on sustainable sports. The whole of Formula 1 is changing in terms of sustainability. Of course, the Formula 1 teams, partners and Formula one management are also noticing this. For example, when looking at the Formula 1 website, it becomes clear how important the topic of sustainability is to Formula one management. Formula 1 wants to become CO₂ neutral by 2030. Every year, Formula 1 publishes an impact report. This impact report documents progress in the areas of environment, social affairs and corporate governance. The report shows that Formula 1 has reduced its carbon footprint since 2018. One of the biggest environmental impacts of Formula 1 is logistics. The impact report from 2023 shows that logistics accounts for 49% of the total CO₂ footprint Everyone involved in Formula 1 is doing everything they can to be as sustainable as possible. There are still ways to make logistics more sustainable. These possibilities are shown in this paper.
Goal of the work
The aim is to find out how the logistics of a Formula 1 team can be made more sustainable. I have developed the following research question for this purpose: “How can the logistics of Formula 1 teams be optimized from a sustainability perspective?”. In addition, the extent to which the logistics of Formula E differ from Formula 1 in terms of sustainability is examined. This leads me to my second research question: “Are the logistics of Formula E more sustainable than those of Formula 1?”. The findings should not only be applicable to motorsport logistics, but also to logistics in general. Finally, I will give recommendations for action that can be derived from the interviews and the case study in order to make logistics more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Methodology
In the following, the methodological approach of the research is presented, which is based on the principles of qualitative research. The bachelor's thesis consists of two parts, Interviews with experts and a case study. In the interviews, I want to talk to experts in logistics, motorsport logistics and sustainability to find out their opinions on how logistics can become more sustainable. I created a guideline for my interviews in order to structure the conversation a little. In the case study, I show how the use of alternative fuels can reduce emissions and make logistics more environmentally friendly. To make the case study as realistic as possible, original data from a Formula 1 team was used.
Result
How can the logistics of Formula 1 teams be optimized from a sustainability perspective?
Formula 1 and its teams are constantly working to become more environmentally friendly. The study shows that there are still opportunities to improve sustainability in the logistics of Formula 1 teams. In particular, the use of alternative fuels could significantly reduce CO2 emissions. My case study shows that air freight in particular causes a lot of emissions. However, as the races often take place on a different continent within a week, it is almost impossible for the Formula 1 teams to do without air transportation. Formula 1 as a whole has set itself the goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2030. Provided the necessary infrastructure is in place, sustainable improvements in logistics can be achieved through the use of alternative drive systems. The use of artificial intelligence and route optimization tools can also make a significant contribution to increasing sustainability.
Are the logistics of Formula E more sustainable than those of Formula 1?
The question cannot be answered with a clear “yes”, as the logistics requirements of the two racing series are different, for example in terms of the number of races, the choice of venues and the amount of material to be transported. Nevertheless, it is clear that both series are actively working on sustainable logistics concepts. However, Formula E has pursued this goal particularly consistently from the outset. Through the use of renewable energies, low-CO2 transport solutions and the optimization of its logistics, it currently has a slight advantage over Formula 1 in my view.