Formula One is living in a bubble if it expects to continue using hybridised internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains in the long term. For many years, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has justified the existence of Formula One by claiming that everyday motorists benefit from its technological innovations. It is fair to say that F1 represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and aerodynamics. The sport has always pushed the boundaries of mechanical engineering. Modern F1 cars are part analogue, part digital. But where is the technology transfer between an F1 car and a Ford Fiesta or Nissan Micra?

Nevertheless, few would dispute that Formula One engineering is peerless. Technology transfer from F1 to road cars does exist, although very few people can afford to invest in hypercars such as the McLaren P1 or the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Modern Formula One has embraced the turbocharged hybrid route, producing cars that are extraordinarily sophisticated — more alien technology than earthly machinery.

Formula One claims to be focused on building a sustainable, cleaner future and insists it is doing everything possible to reduce its carbon footprint. Yet one of its principal sponsors is Aramco, the oil and gas giant that is currently among the richest companies in the world. Aramco is valued at more than $2.7 trillion, roughly equivalent to the annual GDP of the United Kingdom. How can F1 seriously claim to reduce its carbon footprint while being closely tied to a major fossil fuel company? It cannot.

The FIA presents a message suggesting otherwise, but it remains just that — a message. The contradictions are difficult to ignore. One example is the FIA’s pledge to reduce Formula One’s carbon footprint to net zero by 2030. Switching to synthetic fuels will not, on its own, be enough to achieve that goal. As a result, much of the messaging feels inconsistent and unconvincing.

Based on current trends, electric battery technology will continue to become lighter, more powerful, and capable of delivering greater range. By 2030, electric vehicle battery technology and petroleum-powered systems may converge in terms of efficiency before batteries eventually render oil and gas increasingly obsolete.

In a recent interview, former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg — now the owner of Rosberg X Racing in the all-electric Extreme E championship — argued that Formula One will eventually have to confront the reality of transitioning from fossil fuels to electric power.

Nico Rosberg:

“synthetic fuels are very relevant for other mobility sectors, might it be airplanes or container ships or trucks. I see they [F1] are going with synthetic fuels, which for mobility as such is not going to be the best solution.”

“Formula 1 will play a key role in developing these e-fuels. is that enough for F1 to be relevant with e-fuels as the only mobility thing to be using e-fuels? Well, that’s a bit of a question mark for the long term. Maybe they will have to go electric.”