Lando Norris McLaren MCL60 (motorsport.com)
McLaren is joining forces with V Carbon, a specialized company, to usher in a new era of sustainability in Formula 1 by exploring the use of recycled carbon fibre in its MCL60 race cars. The project, which begins with the cockpit branding panels of cars driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the 2023 F1 season’s Austin Grand Prix, aims to determine the feasibility of incorporating recycled carbon fibre in F1 car construction. If the Austin trial proves successful, McLaren intends to continue using recycled carbon fibre on its cars throughout the season and in future models. This initiative aligns with McLaren’s goal of developing a “fully circular F1 car” by 2030, constructed from recycled materials.
What carbon fibre means in Formula 1:
Carbon fibre is an essential material in Formula 1 car design due to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. McLaren was a pioneer in its use in F1, introducing a full carbon composite monocoque in the MP4/1 in 1981. It has since become integral in various technology applications, including aircraft construction. However, the production and demand for carbon fibre come with environmental concerns, as approximately 30% of the material ends up as waste in the manufacturing process.
Promoting sustainability in Formula 1:
McLaren’s collaboration with V Carbon represents a significant step toward enhancing the sustainability of F1 cars. The potential use of recycled carbon fibre could contribute to the creation of a “fully circular F1 car” and aligns with F1’s broader efforts to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. Formula 1 car manufacturing is a major contributor to a team’s emissions, and recycled carbon fibre is touted to reduce life cycle emissions by 90% compared to conventional carbon fibre.
McLaren’s Vision and Commitment:
McLaren aims to take a leadership role in promoting sustainable materials and practices in Formula 1. The partnership with V Carbon offers a recycled carbon fibre that retains up to 85% of the original material’s strength, making it suitable for various F1 applications and beyond. McLaren is committed to working closely with the FIA, Formula 1, and fellow teams to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable practices in motorsport.
As Formula 1 and other industries grapple with the environmental impact of materials like carbon fibre, McLaren’s efforts represent a significant step toward achieving ambitious sustainability goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in F1 car manufacture.