Returning for the 2025 season and 75th anniversary year this weekend, the Formula 1 sport has released a round-up on the progress made towards its sustainability and social commitments last year. In the form of 2024 Impact Report, which will be released later this year, the progress made towards its sustainability and social commitments with Net Zero as the goal for 2030, the Formula 1 sport has – on the environmental front – made significant investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of its ultra-efficient logistics strategy. 
It has invested significantly in SAF as it delivers an estimated 80 percent reduction in associated carbon emissions per flight compared to the use of conventional aviation fuel. The combined investment in SAF with Global Partners DHL and Qatar Airways reduced total related emissions by more than 8,000 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), an approximate 19 percent reduction in related emissions– compared to traditional aviation fuel – for the air freight charter programme operated by Formula 1 across the flyaway events of the 2024 season.
The delivery of innovative low-carbon energy generation systems using renewable sources such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), biofuel, solar panels, and battery began testing in 2023. Last year, they were used at the Red Bull Ring, the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. For the 2025 season, a programme will be rolled out to reduce more than 90 percent of carbon emissions at all European Grands Prix in key areas such as the Paddock, Pit Lane, and Event Technical Centre. 
As part of the sport’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions associated with travel and logistics, improvements were made to the geographical flow of races around the world in 2024. This included agreement from the Promoter in Japan to move the Suzuka race back from September to April to fit with the Asia Pacific segment of the schedule, while Azerbaijan took its slot to align with Singapore. The organisers of the Qatar Grand Prix also approved a move to the penultimate spot in the schedule, back-to-back with Abu Dhabi. From 2026 the Canadian Grand Prix will be hosted earlier in the year and the Monaco Grand Prix will take place on the first full weekend in June, consolidating the European leg of the F1 season into one period, removing an additional transatlantic crossing and delivering significant associated carbon reductions. 
Last year, F2 and F3 cars ran on 55 percent Aramco advanced sustainable fuel and the FIA medical and safety cars operated on 40 percent of it. In 2025, the F2 and F3 cars will move to 100 percent use of it, ahead of the Formula 1 cars adopting the fuels in 2026 in the new hybrid engines that will take to the circuit next year. 
The technology has implications for the automotive industry and existing petrol cars, as the fuel developed by Formula 1 will be a ‘drop-in’ that can be used in road cars without modification and will serve as a sustainable alternative of global benefit. 
Throughout the 2024 season, the cars all operated with FSC approved Pirelli tyres, which means the natural rubber in the type complies with the FSC’s strict standards for sustainable forestry. Some 80 percent of promoters powered aspects of their events using alternative energy sources such as solar panels, green tariffs, and biofuels. Over 90 precent of promoters began offering greener ways to travel to the race.
On the social commitments front, the Formula 1 sport – in 2024 season – marked the fourth year of its F1 Engineering Scholarships programme, which would support 50 underrepresented students by the end of 2025. The Scholarship covers the entire cost of the student’s tuition, together with living expenses for the full duration of their degree, enabling them to focus on their studies. It also offers them support to set them up for their careers, including work experience with one of the ten Formula 1 teams, as well as career workshops and mentoring. 
Formula 1 also launched the global education programme ‘Learning Sectors’ in collaboration with the British Council to inspire young learners in Brazil, India, South Africa, and the UK to pursue STEM subjects. The year long programme kicks off this year with 130,000 students in 700 schools. 
F1 Academy, the sport’s female-only series, competed alongside Formula 1 at seven events last year, completing 21 races. Through F1 Academy’s partnership with the international karting series, Champions of the Future, female participation in racing increased from five percent in 2023 to 25 percent in 2024. 
The sport also continued with hosting apprenticeships and workshops, such as The Next Grand Prix challenge in association with the Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP) charity, which challenges students aged between 16 and 18 from a breadth of backgrounds to assume a business leadership role and deliver a fictional bid for a new Formula One World Championship location. 
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, said, “Innovation and community drove Formula 1's work in 2024. We are thrilled to outline our progress and continued work in this space. Formula 1 as a sport is uniquely positioned to take action through our global reach and technological leadership.”
 
 
 

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Honda R&D, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., has developed underlying technology for a magnetic coupling wireless power transfer road system in partnership with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec Corporation.

The system enables wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles, including passenger cars and heavy commercial fleets. The partners plan to initiate demonstration testing on public roads starting in FY2027.

The technology integrates high-power-density receiver and transmitter units from Honda with a high-response direct current power supply system from Taisei and road-embedding construction techniques from Taisei Rotec. By supplying power to electric vehicles while in motion, dynamic wireless power transfer reduces the need for stationary charging infrastructure. The initial commercial focus targets logistics and transport operations, where continuous operation offers economic benefits.

The ground assembly embedded in the roadway combines the inverter and coil into a single unit designed to connect via direct current distribution. This design reduces component counts, simplifies wiring and supports installation into existing road surfaces through standard milling methods. The road pavement structures are engineered to withstand continuous traffic loads from vehicles weighing up to 20 tonnes (20,000kg).

Testing conducted at Taisei Group’s T-FIELD facility in Satte verified system stability and structural durability. Starting in late 2026, the companies will build a test roadway at T-FIELD Tamura to evaluate long-term durability under one million wheel-load cycles, measure power transfer efficiency at outputs up to 150 kW and analyse electromagnetic shielding.

The partnership will also join the Tateyama Expressway demonstration project managed by East Nippon Expressway Company starting in 2027.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has expanded its powertrain portfolio with the introduction of a full hybrid powertrain for the Octavia, marking the first time the marque has offered this technology. The new powertrain is available for both hatchback and estate body styles in the Selection and Sportline trim levels.

The new Octavia utilises a series-parallel hybrid setup that combines a 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine with two electric motors, a single-speed automatic transmission and an automatic clutch that connects the engine directly to the front axle.

The smaller electric motor functions as a generator and starter, whilst the larger motor drives the front wheels and recovers energy during deceleration. The system automatically selects between all-electric, series hybrid, and parallel hybrid operation depending on speed, driver demand and battery charge levels. Electric mode offers a driving range of approximately two kilometres.

The model is offered in two power outputs: a 100 kW variant using a 96 kW petrol engine and a 125 kW version paired with a 110 kW engine. Both variants share identical electric motors and have an electronically limited top speed of 180 kmph. Energy is stored in a 1.6 kWh battery positioned beneath the rear seats, paired with a 40-litre fuel tank. Boot capacity is rated at 460 litres for the hatchback and 485 litres for the estate. Standard features include a 13-inch infotainment display and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Orders open in October, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in December 2026.

Johannes Neft, Chief Development Officer, Skoda Auto, said, "The Octavia is the first Skoda model to feature a full hybrid powertrain. Its series-parallel hybrid system combines a combustion engine with the flexibility of electric driving. Operating fully automatically, the system selects the most efficient drive mode according to the current conditions. The traction battery is recharged while driving by the combustion engine or through energy recuperation. With two output levels available for both the hatchback and estate, the full hybrid adds another technically versatile option to our powertrain portfolio giving customers even greater choice to match their individual needs."

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The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and COEP Technological University have signed a Letter of Intent to establish the Advanced Ergonomics and Human Factors Research Centre (AEHFRC) at COEP Tech’s Research and Innovation Park in Chikhali, Pune.

The initiative involves a planned investment of INR 1.05 billion and will function as a national facility focused on developing technologies tailored to the physical metrics of Indian users.

The facility will span approximately 38,000 square feet. The project will be executed in two phases: the first phase, spanning two to three years, will set up laboratories for posture evaluation, seating comfort analysis, human biomechanics and field of vision assessments; the second phase, over four to five years, will complete the full-scale deployment of the centre.

The centre will address sectors including automotive, defence, aerospace, railways, agriculture, industrial equipment, consumer goods and textiles. Key operational objectives include generating Indian anthropometric databases, establishing ergonomics standards, creating usability frameworks and offering training and certification programs.

The partnership will pursue research projects, consultancy assignments, and funding from government bodies, industry partners, and CSR initiatives to translate academic research into industrial applications.

Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, said, "As technology becomes increasingly human-centric, ergonomics and human factors play a critical role in ensuring safety, usability, and user well-being. Through this partnership with COEP Technological University, ARAI aims to create a national ecosystem that advances research, develops indigenous capabilities, and supports industry in creating products and systems that are better suited to Indian users and operating conditions. We believe the AEHFRC will play a significant role in strengthening India’s capabilities in human-centred design and innovation."

Prof. Sunil Bhirud, Vice-Chancellor of COEP Technological University, said: "COEP Technological University has consistently worked to translate research into societal impact. The proposed AEHFRC, in collaboration with ARAI, will provide a unique platform for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and industry engagement in ergonomics and human factors. We are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to the development of Indian standards, indigenous technologies, and a skilled workforce capable of addressing national and global challenges."

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MathWorks and MapmyIndia Mappls have announced a collaboration to support automotive engineering teams developing and validating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Indian driving environments.

Under the partnership, MapmyIndia’s high-definition (HD) digital maps have been integrated with MathWorks' software ecosystem, including MATLAB, Simulink and RoadRunner.

The integration enables engineers to construct digital twins of Indian road infrastructure to simulate traffic scenarios and evaluate ADAS controllers within a Model-Based Design framework before physical vehicle testing.

MapmyIndia’s HD maps capture lane-level geometry, traffic controls and localised road features, including speed breakers, potholes and worn lane markings. The dataset addresses engineering challenges associated with Indian traffic environments, such as high-density traffic, variable lane discipline and evolving road layouts.

The combined software workflow links location intelligence data directly into algorithm development and system validation tools, aiming to reduce virtual testing cycles for original equipment manufacturers and tier-one automotive suppliers operating in India.

Sapna Ahuja, President of Automotive Business and Chief Operating Officer, MapmyIndia Mappls, said, "India's roads present some of the world's most complex and dynamic driving environments. Developing ADAS solutions for these conditions requires far more than adapting models built for structured traffic ecosystems. MapmyIndia's HD maps capture the scale and complexity of Indian roads with accuracy and detail — from lane-level geometry and traffic controls to speed breakers, potholes, faded lane markings and other critical localised road attributes. Our collaboration with MathWorks empowers automotive engineers to simulate real Indian driving conditions, validate systems earlier, and accelerate the development of ADAS solutions that are truly built for India."

Vijayalayan R, Senior Manager – Automotive, MathWorks, said, "As automotive teams expand ADAS development for India, virtual validation is becoming essential to evaluate system performance across diverse driving conditions. By integrating MapmyIndia’s HD maps with MATLAB, Simulink, and RoadRunner, engineers can test ADAS algorithms earlier in development, reduce reliance on costly physical testing, and improve system performance before deployment on Indian roads."

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