Carbon neutral Formula 1 team

McLaren is the world’s first carbon-neutral Formula 1 team, receiving the first and only FIA Gold Standard.

As emissions from Formula 1 races started to become a major concern, McLaren worked to develop a clean technology programme and the brand became a global leader for racing teams in the field.

John Allert, Group Brand Director for McLaren Technology Group, said: “The FIA implemented a sustainability accreditation programme to encourage all motorsport organisations to manage and reduce their impact on the environment. We are proud to say that McLaren was the first F1 organisation to achieve the FIA Gold Standard in 2012 – and we are still the only F1 team to be accredited.”

The team also takes part in the Formula E racing circuit, which features electric cars only, along with Panasonic and Sony who have pitched to be the next designer and producer of Formula E electric car batteries.

Allert said: “Our approach of constant, incremental innovation which sees our race team able to bring an upgrade to our car on average once every 15-17 minutes is something we apply across the McLaren Technology Group and influences our approach to sustainability.”

He also said: “We developed the P1 hybrid hypercar Formula E powertrain technology, a world first, and even worked with the UK’s National Air Traffic Service (NATS), which can help reduce emissions over London’s skies.”

According to Allert, McLaren technology Group also works in other areas of sustainable technology than racing cars, and sustainability is key throughout McLaren’s global supply chain.

Chief Operating Officer for McLaren Technology Group, Jonathon Neale, said: “As well as looking for on-track efficiencies, as part of McLaren’s sustainability commitments we also look for improvements off it too. That’s why we’re very proud to partner with such a prestigious brand as Volvo Trucks, who are renowned for their innovative and high- performance heavy goods transport solutions.”

Allert said: “Although a decade ago it was seen as unusual for a brand such as ours, that was then predominantly F1 focused, to be considering sustainability as part of its normal operations, we want to manage our resources as efficiently as possible.”

Chairman and Chief Executive of McLaren Technology Group and Chairman of McLaren Automotive, Ron Dennis, said: “I believe that science, engineering and technology have the capacity to change the world for the better.”

He added: “Through understanding and innovation we can intelligently manage the impact that we all have upon the environment. We can revolutionise the way we deliver healthcare, generate and use energy and conserve scarce resources.”