McLaren Collaborates on Sustainability with Deloitte and FIA

McLaren, in collaboration with Deloitte and the FIA, has launched an innovative guide aimed at enhancing sustainability practices within the design and construction of Formula 1 cars. The F1 Constructors’ Circularity Handbook is set to revolutionize the industry by providing a means for teams to assess their environmental impact and promote more eco-friendly choices.

Measuring Environmental Impact and Encouraging Sustainability

Initially, the handbook will focus on measuring the environmental impact of parts produced and the processes involved in the overall chassis design of the car. However, future iterations may expand to encompass all other components outside of the teams’ design remits, such as power units and tires.

The guide offers insights into ‘circularity’, or the impact of a product on the current global ecosystem and its potential for recycling or reuse rather than waste disposal. Teams can collect this data for their internal processes and manufacturing, contributing it back to the FIA for collective analysis.

Driving Internal Improvements and Leveling the Playing Field

McLaren‘s head of sustainability, Kim Wilson, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the team has been committed to researching and developing a ‘circular’ Formula 1 car since 2022. The aim is for teams to individually measure their circularity and use these findings to drive internal improvements while maintaining a level playing field.

The FIA may introduce regulations in the future, encouraging the use of certain materials with reduced environmental impact and promoting recycling and reuse within design. This would not disadvantage any team performance- or cost-wise but ensure that all teams adopt sustainable practices for the betterment of the sport.

Embracing Circularity Practices for a Greener Future

One example of a ‘circularity’ practice is the increasing use of recycled carbon fiber, which significantly reduces energy consumption during production. Companies are investing heavily to minimize strength loss following recycling processes.

McLaren first experimented with recycled carbon fiber at the 2023 United States Grand Prix in partnership with V-Carbon and again at last year’s British Grand Prix. Recycled carbon fiber is also currently used in the construction of Gen3 Formula E cars, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainability.