Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Mercedes team reveals 'ground-breaking' sustainability investment

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The Mercedes-AMG F1 team has added a 'ground-breaking' sustainability commitment to its efforts to become Net Zero by 2030.

The Brackley squad has become the first global sports team to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel, an initiative that will help reduce its emissions in a segment – air travel – that accounts for over a quarter of the team's entire projected carbon footprint.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is renewable or waste-derived aviation fuel, an emerging technology recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation to play a major role in reducing future international aviation emissions1.

Mercedes say that SAF will be a key pillar of its commitment to achieve 50% reduction of Scope 3 emissions by 2026 and to reach Net Zero by 2030.

Read also: Formula 1 outlines new commitments towards Net-Zero Carbon goal

"SAF will become a significant component of our team's sustainability strategy, reflecting our desire to drive the change within Formula One for more sustainable racing," said the Mercedes team's statement.

"Our purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel will be used for our indirect Scope 3 aviation emissions, which are excluded from the Formula One cost cap, such as flights to Grand Prix locations and other business air travel."

Current SAF production and availability is "limited", but Mercedes insist the "opportunity is immense"

"We hope that using our powerful global platform to support the development and growth of the SAF market will showcase SAF's potential and prove to other industries how great an impact it can have," added Mercedes.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says reducing emissions linked to air travel is a personal and professional target for himself and his team.

"Sustainable Aviation Fuel has the potential to transform the way we travel and the impact that we have on the environment," commented the Austrian.

"This is a topic that I think about a great deal personally as well as professionally.

"I fly a lot; the team flies a lot. If we must fly, then we need to find a better way to do so and SAF is the best solution available to the aviation industry right now.

"We aim to be on the cutting edge of change, using our global motorsport platform as a model for a more sustainable and diversified future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.