Saudi Aramco, a global partner of the Formula One Championship, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Formula Motor Sport Limited to use sustainable low-carbon fuels in two championships starting in 2023.
The memorandum expresses the leadership of the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships in terms of development in this area, while continuing to work in this capacity in future FIA Formula 1 championships in single-seat racing cars.
This agreement, which is subject to approval by the FIA World Motorsports Council, will form part of a broader sustainability strategy announced by the FIA and Formula 1 to reduce the sport’s carbon emissions by 2030.
By 2026, all FIA championships will be required by regulations to use 100% sustainable fuel in their cars. Among the most outstanding achievements to be made along the way is the use of 100% green fuel starting from the 2026 Formula 1 season, in addition to the use of next-generation hybrid powertrains.
Motorsport will continue these innovations not only to advance, but also to be at the forefront of creating a host of technologies that will play a decisive role in the future of the entire transportation industry.
Saudi Aramco is working on cleaner fuels, such as a “displacement” technology that is likely to be used in the world’s current vehicle fleet, to contribute to an attempt to reduce emissions from the transportation sector globally.
In this regard, Ahmed Al Saadi, Senior Vice President of Technical Services at Saudi Aramco, explained that Saudi Aramco has announced its aspirations to achieve net zero carbon emissions that fall within bands 1 and 2 at all facilities and businesses owned by and managed by the company fully by 2050. In addition to the company’s recognition of the need to work closely with its suppliers and customers to try to reduce emissions across our entire supply chain. This includes the transportation sector, where we are working to modernize internal combustion engines and the fuels that power them, and the partnerships with Formula 2 and Formula 3 on sustainable fuels are a continuation of this effort and we are very pleased to reap the benefits. its potential.
For its part, Saudi Aramco Chief Technology Officer Ahmed Al Khuwaiter confirmed that Saudi Aramco is capitalizing on its unique business size, global network and technical expertise to help provide low carbon transportation solutions through its firm belief in the strength of partnerships. noting that the company is committed to, through collaboration with Formula 2 and Formula 1. 3 Demonstrate the great potential of liquid synthetic fuels; Find practical solutions that could decarbonize the transportation sector through the use of low-carbon fuels, more efficient engines, and advanced materials and carbon capture technologies. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on motorsport, in line with efforts to reduce emissions in the global automotive and transport sectors.
Meanwhile, FIA President Mohamed bin Sulayem stressed that sustainability is at the top of the global motorsports agenda and needs to be applied not just to Formula 1, but to Formula 2, Formula 3 and the entire ecosystem. Our sport is rapidly evolving and we will continue to implement cutting-edge technologies, including sustainable fuels, that will play a role in combating climate change.” the partnership will bring significant benefits to sport and industry on a wider scale.
In this context, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali considers Saudi Aramco to be the leading company in the field and based on the approval of the FIA World Motorsport Council, it will work towards achieving sustainable fuel ambitions as the company operates in cooperation with its counterparts in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships. The company’s sponsorship is not only about future drivers, but also provides ample space to experience the latest engineering innovations in motorsport. In 2026, Formula 1 will switch to zero-carbon clean fuels, providing a solution that will revolutionize the automotive sector and other industries. With the support of Saudi Aramco and all of our manufacturers, we can accelerate the sector’s transition to zero-emission neutrality.
For his part, FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championship CEO Bruno Michel pointed out that sustainability is a top priority in today’s world, which is why the Federation has made the sport more sustainable and the goal is to switch to synthetic fuels. can only be achieved through a partnership with a company the size of Aramco in Saudi Arabia, which is diligently committed to producing clean modern fuels in the near future. Implementing such a major change in Formula 2 and Formula 3 is easier because both are automotive-class cars from the same supplier. We are thrilled to be taking on a pioneering role and taking the first steps towards sustainable synthetic fuels, as we did last season when we introduced the 18-inch tires currently used in Formula One championships.
