Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has announced a bold move towards sustainable carbon fibre composites, set to debut on the W16 race car for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This marks a pioneering shift in motorsport materials, aligning with the team's long-term vision for sustainability and carbon footprint reduction without compromising on-track performance.

The project, made possible through partnerships with INEOS Nitriles, Toray, Syensqo, and Sigmatex, represents a significant innovation in motorsport technology, with applications that extend far beyond Formula 1—potentially revolutionizing industries like aviation and aerospace.

“When you combine performance and innovation, you create progress. I am proud to lead a team of problem solvers who are committed to driving sustainable change.” – Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

Revolutionizing Carbon Fibre Composites in Formula 1

Carbon fibre composites account for approximately 75% of an F1 car’s structure, delivering lightweight strength that enhances both safety and speed. Innovations in sustainable materials provide an opportunity to reduce environmental impact, aligning with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040.

The team is actively developing two sustainable carbon fibre solutions for use later this year:

✔️ Resin System Innovation – Aiming for a more sustainable bonding solution for carbon fibre components.
✔️ Fibre Material Evolution – Enhancing the core structural properties of carbon fibre while reducing its environmental footprint.

Through rigorous laboratory testing and track validation, these materials will be qualified to meet the high-performance demands of Formula 1, ensuring no loss in structural integrity or durability.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of material sustainability in motorsport. Leadership must be driven by innovation, and this project represents another step towards our goal of becoming one of the most sustainable global sports teams.” – Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

From the Racetrack to the Skies: Impact Beyond Motorsport

Formula 1 is often referred to as the world’s fastest test lab, and innovations developed within the sport frequently influence other industries. This sustainable carbon fibre initiative could have major implications for sectors like:

✈️ Aerospace – Lighter and stronger materials for aircraft, reducing fuel consumption.
🚘 Automotive – More efficient, high-performance carbon fibre solutions for road cars.
🏗️ Construction – Reinventing how composite materials are used in infrastructure.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team was also the first global sports team to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and successfully powered its 2024 European season using HVO100 biofuel. This latest materials innovation further cements the team’s leadership in sustainable technology.

“Formula 1 remains the ultimate innovation lab, and our advancements in sustainable carbon fibre can help shape the future of multiple industries beyond motorsport.” – Toto Wolff

The Road to Sustainable Racing: What’s Next?

🌱 Qualification & Testing – The materials will undergo extensive lab testing to ensure they meet the stringent performance and safety standards of Formula 1.
🏎️ Implementation on the W16 – The first applications of sustainable carbon fibre will be integrated into the 2025 season race car.
🌍 Scaling Beyond F1 – The knowledge gained will be shared with industries such as aerospace and automotive, contributing to a greener future in engineering and manufacturing.

The team’s collaborative approach with suppliers plays a key role in achieving these breakthroughs, with support from:

🔹 INEOS Nitriles – Advanced chemical solutions for sustainable carbon fibre.
🔹 Toray – Global leaders in carbon fibre innovation for aerospace and automotive applications.
🔹 Syensqo – Pioneering resin formulation and prepreg materials for motorsport.
🔹 Sigmatex – Specialists in high-performance carbon fibre textiles.

📌 Learn more about the team’s sustainability efforts at www.MercedesAMGF1.com.