Formula 1 has kicked off their new hybrid era in Australia last weekend and controversy has ensued as you will learn in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I have details on the driver’s reactions plus the FIA’s move to deal with the situation and more.
Sustainable Motorsport News
Formula 1 Kicks Off 2026 With Controversy Over New Engine Rules
As Formula 1 kicks off their 2026 season with their new hybrid engines and chassis rules, controversy erupted as the drivers expressed a strong dislike for the new engines and the FIA looking to institute possible changes as soon as the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.
While the first 15 laps proved to be exciting, the realization that the racing involves a lot of coasting and “super-clipping” to maximize battery power have some calling F1 “Formula Net Zero.” Autosport counts the costs of the new engine formula while Motorsport Magazine wonders how long will F1 get lucky?
Even Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo believes Formula 1 is wrong to move its rules closer to those of the all-electric championship, insisting the series should “stay true to its principles”.
FIA Approves Petronas Sustainable Fuels for Mercedes F1 Power Units
Petronas has obtained homologation for the sustainable fuel that will power the Mercedes Formula 1 engines used by the Silver Arrows as well as McLaren, Williams and Alpine. The Malaysian giant’s department responsible for the Formula 1 programme received the necessary certification to take part in the 2026 world championship at the last moment, with the season opener in Melbourne scheduled to kick off this week.
The new homologation procedure introduced for sustainable fuels is far more complex than the one previously defined for the gasoline used up to last season.
Change Accelerated Live Madrid
The latest edition of Change. Accelerated. Live will take place on March 20th in Madrid. The full schedule and details can be found here.
Motorsport Leads the Race in the Efficient Use of Energy
Now is the time to book your place at MIA EEMS – Discussion Forum & Technology Showcase in association with Fortescue Zero on Tuesday 24 March. You will hear from key industry guests, discussing their position, opinion and direction surrounding energy efficient motorsport.
Meet with Formula 1, FIA, leading race series, teams and motorsport companies as they share their experiences and decisions surrounding sustainability in motorsport and unlock business opportunities for the next 3 years.
With only 2 weeks to go, ensure you secure your place at the world leading motorsport event dedicated to discussing energy efficient motorsport.
Yiu can get all the details here.
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
Firestone’s ENLITEN Tires Reach 65% Recycled Content for IndyCar
Firestone will deploy roughly 37,000 ENLITEN-equipped Firehawk tires during the 2026 IndyCar season, expanding the use of advanced materials designed to balance performance demands with increased recycled content across the grid. Vantage has all the details here.
Sustainable Racing
Biofuels in Formula 1
Biofuels and synthetic fuels enter Formula 1 from 2026, marking a new phase in motorsport focused on innovation, emissions reduction, and the development of high-tech sustainable fuel for the future of mobility. CPG looks at how this high-tech sustainable fuel promises to reduce emissions and transform motorsport into a laboratory for clean mobility.
Solar Team Twente Takes a New Direction
After more than twenty years of competing in the World Solar Challenge in Australia, Solar Team Twente is entering a new chapter. The student team from the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences is swapping the iconic solar car race across the Australian outback for international rally competitions. The team announced the decision today. In the coming years, Solar Team Twente aims to work towards participation in the Rally du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Read all the details about the change here.
Series News
F1 Embarks on New Era of Sustainability
As Formula 1 embarks on a new era of sustainability, here is a roundup of what faces the series in the years ahead.
How Gen4 Car Could Impact Wheel-to-Wheel Racing in Formula E
Formula E will take a massive leap in the 2026-27 season when it debuts its highly-anticipated Gen4 package. Featuring a more powerful 800bhp powertrain, more aerodynamic components and more advanced battery technology, the Gen4 car will propel Formula E to new heights and bring it closer to Formula 1 in terms of outright performance. Autosport looks at how the on-track product could evolve with the more powerful and aero-dependent Gen4 car arriving next season.