In case you have been following Components 1 over the previous few seasons you may have probably seen a typical thread from every crew’s challengers.
Black.
The explanation? Groups are turning to reveal carbon fiber, fairly than painted surfaces, as a way of saving weight on their automobiles. The brand new laws, applied for the 2022 season, noticed the automobiles heavier than ever and left groups scrambling to satisfy the minimal weight necessities.
Shade was out and black, naked carbon fiber was in.
Forward of the 2025 F1 season Mercedes introduced a first-of-its-kind initiative. In accordance with the crew they’re embarking on a program utilizing sustainable carbon fiber, one thing that has by no means been accomplished in F1.
In concrete phrases, which means that we are going to qualify and apply sustainable carbon [fiber] composites to our race automobiles throughout the 2025 Components 1 season, with out sacrificing any on-track efficiency.
Carbon [fiber] composites kind roughly 75% of our race automobile supplies, serving to us to realize the best ranges of efficiency and security. Improvements in these supplies present a major alternative to cut back the carbon footprint of our automobile, supporting our objective to realize Web Zero throughout all scopes by 2040.
In accordance with the crew, “[w]orking intently with the FIA throughout the scope of the related laws, we goal to reveal that sustainable carbon [fiber] composites can carry out to the identical technically demanding necessities as conventional supplies.”
Mercedes has two tasks underway to generate sustainable carbon fiber, one for the fibers themselves and a second for the resin essential to bind the fiber collectively.
To attain a sustainable carbon [fiber] composite, each elements – the [fiber] and the resin system – have to be addressed. Working collaboratively with our provide chain, the crew has two separate tasks underway for introduction later this yr, one in every of which can deal with the resin system and one the carbon [fibers] themselves.
Mercedes believes the expertise can unfold past the F1 grid.
Our work on these pioneering sustainable supplies tasks in Components 1 gives a major alternative to scale this innovation past motorsport. Innovation drives efficiency, and these developments can form business futures from aviation and aerospace to technical efficiency materials.
Mercedes F1 Group Principal Toto Wolff hailed the information.
“If you mix efficiency and innovation, you create progress. I’m proud to guide a crew of drawback solvers who’re dedicated to driving sustainable change,” mentioned Wolff. “I wish to thank our companions for supporting our drive for materials innovation, and to the FIA for enabling us to check these supplies. Collectively we’re transferring the dial on sustainable merchandise and demonstrating that Components 1 continues to be the quickest laboratory on the planet.”
The 2025 F1 season begins subsequent week with the Australian Grand Prix.
