Mercedes F1 team signs The Climate Pledge in motorsport first

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has become the first racing outfit to sign The Climate Pledge, solidifying its commitment to environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.

The Climate Pledge, established in 2019 by Global Optimism and Amazon, aims to accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable future by pledging to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the international target. With Mercedes joining more than 450 organisations in signing the agreement, the team sets a new standard for environmental responsibility within the world of motorsports.

Mercedes’ decision to sign The Climate Pledge demonstrates the team’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As part of their efforts to achieve Net Zero for their race operations by 2030, Mercedes has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and minimising their environmental impact.

During the European leg of the 2023 season, Mercedes conducted a successful biofuel trial, which resulted in an 89 percent reduction in tCO2 emissions. Additionally, the team made significant strides in reducing air travel emissions by investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a book and claim model, leading to savings of over 2,600 tCO2 and a 21 percent reduction in air travel emissions in 2022.

“Signing The Climate Pledge is another demonstration of our intent to perform to the highest standard on sustainability,” declared Toto Wolff, team principal and chief executive of the Mercedes Formula One team.

“We want to win through sustainable high performance, and to win within the societal and planetary boundaries which exist. The ability to collaborate with many of these leading organisations, striving for the same goal, offers considerable benefits for all signatories.”

Looking ahead, Mercedes is set to unveil their new car for the 2024 season on February 14, signalling their ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in motorsports.

The team will kick off the F1 season with the first race weekend in Sakhir, Bahrain from February 29 to March 2, aiming to regroup from the bombshell news that long-term spearhead and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will be leaving their stable for Ferrari at the end of the year.

Image credit: Jon Hillenbrand