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Formula Green – how F1 can fight global warming
At first sight, you may think that Formula One has nothing to do with politics. Or with climate changes, because the emissions of 20 cars in the most famous motorsport category are inexpressive – one entire F1 season uses less oil than an Sao Paulo-New York flight (see the post comments). But look closer. I think you will change your ideas.
All improvements in your car came from F1. ABS braking system? Yes. Multipoint fuel injection? Also. Hydraulic steering? I think you already know the answer... So, why Formula One could not lead the fight against climate changes?
Several studies reports that 40% of CO2 emissions accounts for cars. It´s an expressive piece of this (bad) cake. So, one of the missions of FIA new president´s Jean Todt is deal with global warming. And another French, former champion Alain Prost send the message: “Formula One must be the avant-garde of green automotive”. Prost remains F1 tradition of being car industry best laboratory.
Few years ago, motorsport biggest fear was the eruption of a war in Middle East. In this situation, fuel would be rationated. But we had more oil reserves discoveries in the latest years. The real issue is global warming. In a scenario of cutting emissions, the core of motosport is hurt. How we can preserve racing without make damage to environment?
Motorsport cars emissions accounts only 5% of the total. Other 95% come from fans driving to see the events, staffers jetting to the races. Attacking Formula 1 is attacking a symbol. Develop better cars is the the reason for manufactures stay in Formula One. We expect then to make less polluters cars. Only Toyota spent US$ 500 million dollars on its F1 team. Part of this money must be used to make sustainble cars.
Photo: Fire on Jos Verstappen refuel in 1994 German GP (Madtv.me.uk)
Two are the ways to achieve the change forward to greener cars: alternative fuels or energy storage. The second one seems failed. In 2010, Formula 1 will not use KERS, device used to store kinetic energy wasted to brake the cars. The lasting option is fuel motorsport with renewable energies.
Even Formula 1 foresees the need of a transition to biofuels. This perception came from a poll with fans, made by FIA.FIA's former president, Max Mosley stated: “The sport is moving away from the technology of the 20th century to the technology of the 21st. It is only by doing that that we can prevent Formula 1 starting to be labeled as a dinosaur."
IRL is leading this process, and since 2007, the USA category is using 100% ethanol motors. Former IRL fuel was methanol – the transition was easy because they are very close in chemical make-up. And the cars had no change on speed, sound or performance.
But even when regulations allow it, it is hard to use biofuels. Engeneers are not sure about the difference between all kinds of renewable sources. The absence of governmental standards on biofuels is another issue. And last, but not least: the oil lobby.
The small emissions of Formula One cars may not be part of global warming problem. But I am quite sure they can be part of the solution.
PS - Update on October 31st: The post has repercussion on F1 blog of Folha de S. Paulo - biggest Brazilian newspaper: http://migre.me/aqWv
Comments
Excellent post, Charles. I have a question for you: The United States will be back in Formula One next year with its USF1 team (http://www.usgpe.com/). Do you think that any big changes in F1 fuel will come from the US as a result. The reason I ask is that most F1 innovations are actually byproducts of the US aerospace program. The structural composite components used in all F1 cars have an aluminum honeycomb core bonded with several layers of carbon fibre and that’s just one example of US tech that’s at the heart of top class motor sport.
Excelent Post, Charles.
I believe that the prohibition of refueling on f1 in 2010 will become in more economical engines because the weight will be very a important issue for the teams to do the race strategies, and so that the emissions will tend to decrease in f1.
let’s see. :!
Eammon: US are actually ahead in matter of biofuels and tech advanes to a green F1. But, I have to prospect if this could make a change in whole motorsport. I believe, in isntance in regulations demanded by FIA, as Diogo stated in comment above.
Really great post! Though-provoking
“entire F1 season uses less oil than an Sao Paulo-New York flight” I don’t buy it! The numbers are stretched. You must not be considering the hauling of all equipment around the world! Are you?
great post!
Well done, nice job dude.
But I doubt that the F1 will become a source of green tecnology.
I think is necessary to create another category of competition, maybe a brand new “green racing”.
Therefore, once the “green racing” officialy as part of the game, I believe then we’ll probably see researches in order to create better cars.
Mugello: This statistic acounts only the emissions of cars on track.
Sergio: You are right: we must redefine what is the concept of performance
Conhece a fábula do beija-flor que ajudava a apagar o incêndio da floresta? Cada gotinha e a participação de cada um é fundamental. Acho que esta história de F1 verde é para dar mais mídia, e consequentemente dinheiro. Senão eles não estariam fazendo as novas corridas noturnas: é bonito, é novidade, o horário é bom para ter mais espectadores na europa, chama a atenção e rende mais dinheiro; mas do ponto de vista ecológico é um baita desperdício de energia que poderia ser poupada se não se utilizasse a luz artifical.
Good Post!
Great post, Charlitos!
This is an example of how your blogging effort achieves the purpuse of this whole competition: stimulate people to think about climate changes by other perspectives.
Congrats!
Formule1 is in crisis. We must hope for the best for all.