F1 hybrid engines will play ‘major part’ in reducing vehicle emissions, says Carey

The Formula 1 Hybrid engine will play a big part in reducing carbon emissions globally, says Chase Carey.

Speaking at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show on Thursday, Carey, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, said that in the coming months Formula 1 will be doing far more to show how it will play a leading role in tackling the important issue of carbon emissions contributing to environmental issues around the world.

He explained that the Formula 1 hybrid engine will be a major part of the future solution to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles and Formula 1 would also be setting out detailed plans in the coming months to tackle the broader issue of sustainability within the sport.

Taking part in a discussion hosted by Facebook focussed on how Formula 1 spearheads technical innovation that drives real world sustainable solutions Carey said:

“The Formula 1 hybrid engine is the most efficient in the world and has a critical role to play to address the wider global environmental issue. I think the solution to the environmental situation is going to be many and not just one and while I appreciate electric has got the attention and has hit a sweet spot at the moment, I think electric will be part of the solution but has issues such as battery disposal that still need to be addressed.

“We believe the hybrid engine and fuel technologies can play a big role, a leading role, in the addressing the issue of carbon emissions. We believe the solution will be a path of many rather than one cure-all.”

Carey added that Formula 1 had been a pioneer in motorsport and the innovations and technology it had developed had fed directly into road vehicles and Formula 1 would be setting our more plans in the coming months to address the sustainability issue.

“Formula 1 and its history, the pinnacle of motorsport, has played a leading role in road cars," Carey said. "Computers, safety or aero have all come from Formula 1 innovation and road car developments such as plug in hybrids have benefitted from F1 innovation and technology.

“We will also be moving forward on addressing environmental issue across the sport including our events off the track. Its it is going to be a major initiative for us and we are quite excited about our ability to play a leadership role and that’s what Formula 1 has always been, a leader in initiatives that lead to the auto world.”