By Ahmad Mehdi | Staff Writer

Figure 1: Lewis Hamilton: W13 Pitstop1

Overview of F1’s Sustainable Practices:

Buckle Up because Formula 1 Race Circuits are not just about the roaring engines and high-speed adrenaline; it is steering a full throttle into a more sustainable world. In a symphony of speed and environmental consciousness, F1 is revolutionizing the race for a greener planet. Picture this with me, a race where every twist, turn, and tire skid is not just a spectacle of power but a race for sustainability. As the world is decarbonizing, Formula 1 is donning its eco-friendly racing suit, aiming to propel the whole sport into a Net Zero Carbon. 

In electrifying the world of Formula 1, every second counts as a new countdown has begun. By 2030, they are aiming not just for a chequered flag but for net zero carbon powerhouse engines across the whole twenty cars on track. Now, imagine the pulsating energy of an F1 Pitstop. In a matter of seconds, the pit crew swoops in, changing tires in seconds with a precision that rivals a surgeon’s hand. But what happens to rubber when they’re completely burnt off and ready to be replaced during a pitstop? This is where racing for sustainability kicks in. Formula one, recognizing the environmental drawbacks of tire waste, has put the pedal to the metal in the realm of tire recycling. 

Pirelli’s Role in Sustainable Motorsports:

Pirelli’s involvement extends beyond the track by focusing on reducing global Carbon Equivalent Emissions, using renewable energy, and contributing to a circular economy by repurposing tires into several products. It is well recognized for being the monopoly producer of Formula 1’s Tires and is actively involved in managing all the tire waste impact on the environment during races. Pirelli Environmental Engineers engage in sustainable tire manufacturing practices, conducting life analysis, and exploring several recycling alternatives. 

Exploring the Evolution: The History of Formula One Tires:
Normal-grooved tires dominated Formula One from its inception until the late 1960s. However, an ingenious discovery resulted in a seismic shift in racing dynamics. The adoption of slicks, or tires with no tread patterns on dry surfaces, was a game changer. This design change aimed to increase tire-to-road grip, allowing the racing machines to reach their full potential.

The landscape changed in 1998, when Formula One said goodbye to ‘slicks’ and reintroduced ‘grooved’ tires. This strategic move aimed to reduce escalating cornering speeds, posing a challenge to tire manufacturers and teams as they navigate the new era. The grooved tires, which had specific patterns and depths, heralded an era of increased performance demands and technological innovations. Pirelli rose to prominence as Formula One’s exclusive tire supplier in 2011, ushering in a new era of tire dynamics. Pirelli’s approach is distinguished by a wide range of tire compounds, each meticulously designed to cater to different track conditions and racing strategies. Compounds ranging from super soft to super hard provide a nuanced selection for teams, each with its own balance of speed and durability.

Pirelli’s tire compounds are not just designed for dry conditions but also wet tracks as well. The intermediate tire, identified by a green sidewall band, is designed to manage situations such as drizzle and drying tracks after rain. The wet-weather tire, identified by a blue sidewall marking, has full tread patterns that are essential for removing standing water during wet races. These innovations demonstrate the tire manufacturer’s commitment to delivering optimal performance in a variety of weather conditions.

F1 Tire Compounds:

Pirelli’s revolutionary 18-inch Formula 1 Tire underwent a rigorous design process including over 10,000 hours of testing, 5,000 hours of simulation, and collaboration with drivers for valuable feedback. Pirelli increased its compound count to six in 2022, allowing for greater flexibility in matching specific track characteristics.

The Sustainable Lifecycle of Tires:

After completing its high-speed journey on Formula 1 tracks, an F1 tire begins a meticulous and environmentally conscious recycling process. After the Grand Prix, Pirelli, Formula One’s exclusive tire supplier, diligently collects all used tires, whether mounted on rims, removed but unused, or raced on asphalt. These tires are thoroughly analyzed to extract valuable data before being transported to Pirelli’s engineering and coordination center in Didcot, England. Tires are thoroughly shredded there, resulting in small, recyclable pellets. The shredded rubber pellets are then transported to cement factories and burned at extremely elevated temperatures. This combustion process not only recycles tires but also emits environmentally friendly gasses, leaving only non-poisonous fine ash as a residue. The byproducts, such as bitumen, are used in road construction and other industrial applications. This entire cycle demonstrates Pirelli’s commitment to sustainable practices, helping to reduce Formula 1’s carbon footprint.

Prospects and Innovations

Pirelli is constantly exploring innovations in tire construction and compound formulations. Pirelli’s significant investment in R&D, which includes thousands of testing hours and multiple prototypes, demonstrates the company’s commitment to evolving tire technologies. Plans include refining compounds for specific track characteristics and addressing any issues raised by drivers. The ongoing collaboration with F1 teams ensures a dynamic approach to innovation, aiming for a delicate balance of sustainability and optimal on-track performance.

Comparative Analysis with Other Motorsports 

Formula One stands out from other motorsports for its comprehensive approach to sustainability, which includes tire recycling. While each motorsport series may adopt environmentally friendly practices, F1’s aggressive targets and tire recycling initiatives distinguish it. The collaboration with Pirelli, as well as the use of a single tire supplier, helped to create a more streamlined and controlled sustainability strategy. Analyzing how F1’s tire recycling practices differ from those in other motorsports reveals the uniqueness and effectiveness of F1’s approach. 

Figure 2: F1 Tires in their blanket

Other Sustainable Initiatives: Pioneering Solutions for Tire and Microplastics.

As part of the FIA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the federation is leading the way in developing innovative strategies to tackle microplastics linked to tires. Recognizing the significant environmental impact that tires and brakes cause throughout their life cycle, the FIA is actively investigating novel technologies to gather tire and brake debris, especially during the use phase. This innovative project has the potential to have wider uses in more extensive transportation systems in addition to reducing pollution from motorsport tires.

The FIA aims to further the development of a circular economy around tire use by exploring technologically new areas. If these systems prove efficiency, they may be crucial in reducing microplastic pollution in motorsport and on a larger scale, which would greatly aid in the global effort to combat plastic pollution. This calculated move is in line with the FIA’s overarching goal of continuously enhancing motorsport’s environmental performance and expanding its beneficial effects outside of racetracks. The federation’s commitment to investigating state-of-the-art remedies highlights its function as a change agent in the quest for a more sustainable extending from F1 racecars and beyond.

Sources:

F1 Sustainability Strategy

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwizhuX2jYaEAxXmUaQEHVbkBD8QFnoECBoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorp.formula1.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FEnvironmental-sustainability-Corp-website-vFINAL.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2JkFVy9i2XysD3Sqkv4Qts&opi=89978449

Pirelli Continues to Embrace Its Role to Help F1 Reach Sustainability Goals

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a45737228/pirelli-continues-to-embrace-its-role-to-help-f1-reach-sustainability-goals/

Pirelli – Sustainability

https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorsport/f1/sustainability
https://corporate.pirelli.com/corporate/en-ww/sustainability/sustainability

Pirelli – F1 Tires

https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorsport/f1/tyres

Formula 1 racing towards net-zero target by 2030

https://sustainablefuturenews.com/net-zero/formula-1-racing-towards-net-zero-target-by-2030/

SUSTAINABILITY: Formula one aims to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030:

https://corp.formula1.com/sustainability/

What Happens to the used tires in F1?|

https://f1chronicle.com/what-happens-to-the-used-tyres-in-f1/

Pirelli Continues to Embrace Its Role to Help F1 Reach Sustainability Goals

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a45737228/pirelli-continues-to-embrace-its-role-to-help-f1-reach-sustainability-goals/