Mercedes announce investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

German Formula One team Mercedes have announced that they will be investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of their plans to reach Net Zero by 2030. In doing so, Mercedes have become the first-ever global sports team to invest in SAF as they aim to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Given the nature of the sport and the events being held on various continents around the world, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels will help the team achieve almost 50% reduction in their air travel footprint. Flying currently accounts for more than a quarter of Mercedes’ projected carbon footprint. 

However, the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel will fall outside the Formula One cost cap as it falls under the team’s ‘indirect Scope 3 aviation emissions’, which is outside the cost cap and includes flight travels to Grand Prix locations and other business travels.

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Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, commented:

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel has the potential to transform the way we travel and the impact that we have on the environment. This is a topic that I think about a great deal personally as well as professionally. I fly a lot; the team flies a lot. If we must fly, then we need to find a better way to do so and SAF is the best solution available to the aviation industry right now. We aim to be on the cutting edge of change, using our global motorsport platform as a model for a more sustainable and diversified future.“

Alice Ashpitel, Sustainability & Environmental Manager at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, added:

“Our aim is to embed sustainability in every decision we make and action we take. We believe that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can change the way that sports and businesses more generally, as some of the biggest users of aviation, can exert a positive influence on the outside world. We hope to play a leading role in showcasing what’s possible with SAF and prove to other industries what can be achieved.“

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is renewable, waste-derived aviation fuel which is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and will be a key factor in reducing future international aviation emissions. Mercedes’ multi-million dollar investment will not only improve their overall environmental impact but also help the team move closer towards Net Zero.