Formula E faces a make-or-break year for its future and in this edition of the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup you will understand why. I also have news on how McLaren’s sustainability initiatives are having an impact far from the racetrack and much more!
Sustainable Motorsport News
Engineering the Impossible with McLaren Racing
Toni Cowan-Brown of Idée Fixe explains how their sustainability initiatives are sparking new approaches to everything from coral reef restoration to optimizing pharmaceutical manufacturing lines.
“McLaren’s sustainability playbook could redefine what innovation spillover means and what it looks like. And it might actually rewrite how we think about the relationship between elite motorsport and everything else.”
You can read the full article here.
How the FIA Is Driving the Future of Hydrogen Power Through Motorsport
The FIA’s publication in June of the first ever set of technical and safety rules for the use of liquid hydrogen in motor sport represented a landmark moment for one of the Federation’s most innovative projects – one that brings together expertise from aerospace, automotive technology, electronics and materials science to drive forward the next generation of clean power. The Federation’s Head of R&D Nicolas Aubourg details the challenges and opportunities of the regulations and why the “laboratory of motor sport” is more important than ever. Read the full interview here.
Forze Hydrogen Racing December Recap
Forza Hydrogen Racing has released their December recap of developments on the hydrogen-powered prototype race car.
“December at Forze was a month defined by focus, commitment, and preparation. With the Christmas recess approaching, our main goal was clear: make as many meaningful steps forward as possible before the holiday break. The team pushed hard, often working late into the night, fully dedicated to further developing the car and refining every detail to be able to drive the Forze IX.”
You can read the full recap here.
Indonesia Officially Launches First Electric Go-Kart Championship
Indonesia has entered a new chapter in motorsport with the launch of its first-ever electric karting league. The Kart.inc Pro League (KPL) officially kicked off on Saturday, January 10, at Kart.inc in the PIK Entertainment District, Tangerang, marking a milestone for the country’s racing scene. Full details can be found here.
Introducing the Greenpower Education Trust
Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity with an outstanding track record in kick starting careers in engineering. We help unlock potential and spark enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) through the excitement of motorsport. “We inspire young people around the world to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths through a unique challenge: to design, build and race an electric car.”
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
E-Fuels Make Their Debut in F1
E-fuels are making their debut in Formula 1 in 2026 as the FIA has mandated that all teams must use 100% sustainable fuel. Here are a few articles that look at the challenges and opportunities of the switch.
Are We About to Have an Electric-Motor RPM race?
Internal-combustion engines are making impressive strides in rotational speed. The Lamborghini Temerario has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 capable of revving to 10,000 rpm over the long haul, and the Red Bull RB17 is powered by a bespoke V10 that reaches 15,000 rpm. But even these zingy engines have nothing on electric motors according to The Drive.
“For EV, five-digit rpm speeds are just the start. As research firm IDTechEx lays out in a new report, the motors in the average electric vehicle can already rev to 15,000 rpm. Some new models may double that. In 2025, Chinese automakers BYD, Xiaomi, and GAC all announced motors capable of 30,000 rpm, the report notes. Current hostility to Chinese cars means we won’t see any of those new models in the United States anytime, but we can still admire the engineering achievements from afar.”
Series News
Why 2026 is a Defining Year for Formula E’s Future
Formula E marked a milestone race in Mexico City this month as the countdown to the Gen4 era continues. Though the current season may appear transitional, it is a pivotal moment for the all-electric series’ growth and long-term success. Cian Brittle of BlackBook Motorsport explains.
“Sustainability will always be one of the guiding principles of Formula E. However, the series is set to shift its marketing strategy to emphasise on-track performance, with vice president of sustainability Julia Pallé saying that the championship “will probably reposition the way we talk about sustainability”.“
Formula E Prioritizing Long-Term Growth Over Short-Term Profitability, Says CEO Jeff Dodds
Formula E is prioritizing investment in the long-term development of the sport over near-term profitability, says the series’ chief executive Jeff Dodds. “We could choose to be [profitable] if that was our priority,” Dodds told BlackBook Motorsport at the Mexico City E-Prix. “We could choose to be a nice, profitable business today. In reality, we’re lucky. We have a lead investor who owns a large portion of the business, which is Liberty Global. The CEO of Liberty Global, Mike Fries, has been very clear when he’s spoken. They see this as a huge growth asset for Liberty Global, and they also see this as an investment asset. For them, they need to invest in it to grow it.”
Citroen’s Instant Formula E Success Isn’t Without Controversy
Exceeding expectations in Formula E is no easy task but Citroen Racing has managed it in multiple layers after just two races. But there’s an important caveat. This is not a new team, nor a straightforward one. This is a team that won a race last season too, and the season before that, and the season before that – as Maserati MSG. While it would be uncharitable to suggest that just the stickers and branding have changed on those cars, this is not an overnight success. The Race explains.
Andretti Switching From Porsche to Nissan in Formula E
Andretti will switch from Porsche to Nissan as its manufacturer partner for the Gen4 era of Formula E beginning at the end of 2026 according to The Race.
“A collaboration between the two companies has long since been mostly agreed and is set to be announced at the end of the present season, meaning that this campaign will be the last that Andretti competes in with Porsche – which is set to adjust its model and field four factory cars next season.”
Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is Racing Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future
A new synthetic fuel supplier has been chosen for the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy championship. The field of fledging international single-seater stars and big names from other motorsport disciplines will all use Toyota FT60 cars powered by FU3L synthetic biofuel for the four-round championship.
“FU3L is a synthetic liquid fuels company that develops advanced, drop-in formulations compatible with existing engines and infrastructure. Its biofuels are synthesised from second-generation biomass feedstocks, primarily derived from agricultural and forestry residues. These waste-based resources are entirely independent of food and feed supply chains. During combustion, the emitted carbon dioxide (CO2) corresponds to the biogenic carbon absorbed during biomass growth, creating a near-closed carbon cycle and resulting in a reduced greenhouse gas footprint compared to fossil fuels.”
E1 Series CEO Basso to Stand Down
Sport Business is reporting that Rodi Basso, the chief executive of E1, is set to leave his position, continuing a period of upheaval for the all-electric powerboat series. More details can be found here.
Getting to the Track Sustainably
