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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BorgWarner is significantly expanding its partnership with Great Wall Motor by securing two new electrified propulsion projects, building upon two previously announced dual inverter programmes. These new initiatives are scheduled to enter mass production in 2026. A cornerstone of this collaboration is BorgWarner's advanced dual inverter technology, which utilises a highly integrated design. This single unit can simultaneously control and drive two motors, offering superior packaging flexibility and easier installation for vehicle manufacturers.

The technology's sophistication is underscored by its use of a power module with double-sided cooling and the latest Viper power switches. This configuration can reduce thermal resistance by as much as 50 percent compared to conventional single-sided cooling, leading to a substantial increase in power density. Furthermore, the design allows different semiconductor dies to be packaged within identically sized modules, ensuring compliance with China's stringent CLTC efficiency standards. The system also incorporates adaptive battery voltage regulation, which broadens the motor's high-efficiency operating range to improve overall performance.

Emphasising flexibility, BorgWarner employs a platform-based design that adapts to various hybrid vehicle architectures. For the newly awarded projects, the HEV version of the dual inverter integrates a DC/DC converter and offers an optional voltage boost module. In contrast, the PHEV variant is designed without these components. This modular strategy provides manufacturers with critical adaptability, enabling faster product development cycles while simultaneously reducing both design and production costs.

Dr Stefan Demmerle, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, PowerDrive Systems, said, “BorgWarner’s technical expertise in electrification and dual inverter products has earned Great Wall Motor’s continued confidence. The extension of this collaboration not only reflects recognition of our products and technologies but also underscores our strong commitment to supporting our customers’ new energy strategies. We will remain dedicated to accelerating their electrified vehicle portfolio.”

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Anaphite, a UK battery technology startup, has released the results of an independent sustainability assessment of its dry coating technology platform for battery electrode manufacturing. The analysis, conducted by life cycle assessment experts Minviro, found that Anaphite's patented technology reduces carbon emissions by 3.57 kg CO2 eq. per kWh of cell capacity compared to the wet coating process.

At present, it is estimated that wet coating is used for over 99 percent of electrode production globally. It is energy-intensive due to the ovens needed to dry electrodes. Dry coating processes eliminate this drying oven.

Anaphite’s patented platform combines all ingredients of a battery electrode into a single engineered material, which is optimised for high-speed dry coating lines. The company states this approach solves the challenges of achieving dry coating at scale, unlocking carbon emissions savings for battery and EV makers.

• If Anaphite’s technology were to completely replace wet coating for every cell made in 2025, it would save 7 million tonnes of CO2.
• For a 75 kWh battery pack, the technology can deliver a 268 kg CO2 eq. saving.

With global annual demand expected to double by 2030, the adoption of dry coating is imperative to maximise environmental benefits.

Joe Stevenson, CEO, Anaphite, said, “Wet coating of electrodes is well proven, but manufacturers want it replaced by dry coating because of the carbon footprint improvements and cost reductions it delivers. Our unique dry coating process technology is the solution manufacturers need to make EVs more sustainable. We’re delighted to see its environmental benefits confirmed by Minviro’s independent assessment. We’re scaling-up the Anaphite technology platform at our facility in the UK and deepening our in-house dry coating capabilities and expertise. We are working in close collaboration with the global automotive industry to bring dry coating to market.”

Lydia Bridges, Senior Consultant, Minviro, said, “Collaborating with Anaphite on this study has been a great example of how rigorous, transparent assessment can translate innovative process design into quantifiable results. Our independent analysis identified a clear reduction in carbon footprint for Anaphite’s dry coating process compared with conventional wet coating, using ISO-aligned methods and critical review. Studies like this that follow the Environmental Footprint (EF) method provide essential environmental data for cell manufacturers, as this method forms the basis of the EU Battery Regulation carbon footprint quantification.”

The assessment is compliant with the ISO-14067 standard and the climate change model aligns with that proposed for the incoming EU Battery Passport regulations. These regulations will be mandatory from 2027 for EV and industrial batteries over 2 kWh, requiring the reporting of each battery's total carbon footprint. The work was part of a Feasibility Study project funded by a grant from the UK Government under the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF).

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Italian automotive majors Alfa Romeo and Maserati have joined forces to establish BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, a new automotive excellence hub in Italy's Motor Valley. This initiative aims to shape bespoke automotive experiences by merging tradition, craftsmanship and technology.

The project encompasses a broad area extending from Modena to Turin and Arese (Milan province), bringing together the legacies of both manufacturers. Cristiano Fiorio has been entrusted with the leadership of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, reporting directly to Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo CEO and Maserati COO. The initiative was established under the patronage of the Altagamma Foundation.

BOTTEGAFUORISERIE will focus on several main thematic areas: BOTTEGA, FUORISERIE, Corse and La Storia (History).

• BOTTEGA: This serves as the 'sartorial heart,' dedicated to developing and building 'few-off' limited edition projects, such as the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and the Maserati MCXtrema. This work involves collaboration with the customer to create a unique piece.
• FUORISERIE: This offers advanced personalisation, allowing customers to turn their car into a unique model. A design team will explore new creative vernaculars while remaining faithful to the brands’ aesthetic codes.
• Corse: Focused on motorsport, this theme transforms racing know-how into engineering innovation for super sports cars. Maserati Corse serves as a driving force, leveraging racing solutions to evolve the cars.
• La Storia: This initiative preserves the historical heritage of both brands through restoration and certification of vintage cars, and the creation of archives and museums, including the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese and the Umberto Panini Maserati Collection in Modena.

Santo Ficili, CEO, Alfa Romeo and COO, Maserati, said, “This launch is more than the creation of a new initiative – it is the symbol of a new era for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. It represents our unwavering belief in the power of Italian creativity, engineering and craftsmanship. I am proud to entrust this mission to Cristiano Fiorio; his exceptional work on projects like the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and our motorsport programmes has demonstrated not only technical mastery but also a deep emotional connection to the soul of our brands. This is the first milestone in a broader transformation that will define the future of both Alfa Romeo and Maserati.”

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Maserati CEO, added: “We are extremely proud to announce this extraordinary joining of forces between two iconic brands. BOTTEGAFUORISERIE represents the meeting point between vision and reality. This is where dreams will be shaped into reality, where the extraordinary becomes tangible. Guided by creativity and discipline, each project is the result of rigorous research and unwavering dedication. By combining the finest in Italian design, engineering, and culture, BOTTEGAFUORISERIE embodies a unique approach to shaping the future – one we deeply believe in.”

Cristiano Fiorio, BOTTEGAFUORISERIE General Manager, said, “Being entrusted with the leadership of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE is both a profound honour and a thrilling challenge. This is somewhere where past, present and future converge – where we celebrate our heritage while daring to imagine what’s next. I will draw on the incredible experiences gained through special projects and motorsport to guide this new journey. With a team of passionate, talented individuals, we will craft vehicles that are not only technically exceptional but emotionally unforgettable. Our mission is clear: to honour the legacy of Alfa Romeo and Maserati, and to write the next chapter in their history with boldness, beauty and authenticity. Performance is an act of culture. Creating beauty is a form of art.”

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German component supplier Eberspaecher is expanding its product portfolio with two new heating solutions for 800-volt electrical systems in battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The company states that optimised thermal management is important for addressing challenges in electromobility, such as battery range, charging times and comfort.

Eberspaecher is introducing a coolant heater with thick film technology and an air heater with PTC technology. Both systems provide demand-based heat output for the passenger cabin and battery conditioning and can be integrated into OEM systems on a modular basis.

The new coolant heater uses thick film technology (TFE), offering a compact and powerful alternative to classic PTC technology.

• Heat Output: The component conditions the vehicle battery and achieves up to 12 kW of output at 800-volt, contributing to extending battery life and reducing charging times.
• Voltage Flexibility: The heater delivers sufficient output even at 400-volt, ensuring compatibility with the current charging infrastructure.
• Safety: The safety concept includes multiple sensors and an independently operating second shutdown path.

The thick film heater is suitable for passenger cars and trucks and has been selected by several automobile manufacturers for use in their series lines. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.

On the other hand, the air heater, which is installed directly in the air-conditioning system, uses PTC technology.

• Multi-Zone Function: The heater features a multi-zone function allowing the driver to control the temperature separately in up to four zones in the interior, such as different temperatures for the driver and front passenger sides.
• Power Range: The heater is designed to accommodate both 400- and 800-volt architectures, with a power range of 3-8 kW.
• Emissions: Eberspaecher avoids using adhesives in the setup of heating elements wherever possible, minimising the risk of unwanted emissions in the passenger compartment.

The product will be available in Asia, Europe and North America starting in 2028.

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