Sport is not just one of the pleasures of life and a form of entertainment, numerous scientific studies have already proven its beneficial effects on people’s health and well-being, both physically and mentally level. When we think about sport, we often associate it with physical activities that anyone can practice, such as running, swimming, going to the gym, or doing yoga. By doing so, however, we leave out all the other aspects related to sports: beyond the individual training purpose, sport represents a significant sector of our societies with both economic and social relevance. From an economic standpoint, the sports industry contributes €279.7 billion to the European GDP and provides employment for approximately 5,666,195 people, according to the latest data from the European Commission. On a social level, sport can be a tool to boost the sense of community building, promote inclusion, equality and youth engagement, along with cultural international exchanges. 

Nevertheless, the positive effects of sport on human well-being and socio-economic sphere often overshadow its impact on the natural environment. In fact, it is essential to take into account that nearly every sporting event and activity requires the implementation of natural resources, electricity, water consumption, and extensive infrastructure development. These factors often lead to a significant carbon footprint, as well as the depletion of local resources. Additionally, large-scale events, such as international competitions, contribute to pollution through waste generation, energy consumption, and overall travel-related emissions. Thus, while sport brings numerous benefits, it is crucial to balance these advantages with sustainable practices to minimize environmental harm.

Among the sports with the highest carbon footprint, motorsports stand out. Indeed, motorsports involve the excessive use of fossil fuels, high carbon emissions, and noise pollution. However, as in the other sports, one of the most significant environmental impacts comes from logistics and transportation—moving cars, motorcycles, teams, and materials across the globe—not to mention the large number of fans traveling to attend races. 

Beyond the tangible environmental impact, there is also an ethical debate about whether it is justifiable to run high-emission vehicles purely for entertainment. While this deontological issue requires a deeper sociological analysis, it remains a fact that motorsports are the most polluting ones and ,given the current climate and environmental situation, they have prompted the need for sustainable alternatives. 

By definition, a “sport is sustainable when it meets the needs of today’s sporting communities while contributing to the improvement of future sport opportunities for all and the improvement of the integrity of the natural and social environment on which it depends” (Wilson et al., 2020). Regarding motorsports, this principle translates into reducing carbon emissions and air pollution through eco vehicles,  both hybrid and electric, technological advancement to ensure superior energy efficiency and lower emissions; along with initiatives to encourage regulations and guidelines for reducing emissions.

Many motorsport organizations have already begun implementing sustainability initiatives, setting an example that could inspire a broader green transition across the entire sports industry.

A notable example is Formula 1 (F1), which has developed a carbon neutrality strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. Indeed, the measures implemented in F1 have already led to a 13% reduction in carbon footprint as of 2022 compared to the 2018 baseline, despite an increase in the number of races from 21 to 24. Some of these strategies comprehend the use of recycled materials for the construction of vehicles; a concrete investment in solar farm and energy storage for the management of racetrack; the development of greener technologies to improve the quality of engines; adopting more environmentally friendly methods of transportation – such as shipping equipment or using alternative fuels in aviation. 

Other positive examples include Formula E, the world’s first all-electric racing series; the MotoGP whose premier class aims for a full transition to 100% non-fossil fuel by 2027; and The Cambrian Rally, which is striving to become a net carbon-neutral event for both cars and spectators.

Finally, sustainability plays a vital role in the evolution of motorsports. By embracing eco-friendly vehicles and sustainable practices, the industry can greatly minimize its environmental footprint while paving the way for a greener future. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies, strategic partnerships, and sustainability-driven initiatives will define the next era of racing, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can coexist. Notably, the entire motorsports industry is now actively embracing sustainability, setting a positive example for other sports. This shift not only drives the exchange of best practices across disciplines but also fosters a more sustainable future for both the environment and the world of sports.

Tea Lazzaretti.

References*

New Study on the Economic impact of Sport released by the European Commission – EOC EU Office

Wilson, Brian & Millington, Brad (2020). Sport and the Environment. In Jay Scherer & Brian Wilson (Eds.), Sport and Physical Culture in Canadian Society (pp. 330-354). Toronto: Pearson

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335665279_SPORT_AND_THE_ENVIRONMENT 

BBC (2022). Can rally be a green lean racing machine?

Rallying: Can Cambrian Rally be a green lean racing machine?

Vincenzo Borgomeo (2024). Ambiente e motorsport, convivenza possibile. Editoriale

Ambiente e motorsport, convivenza possibile – Editoriale 

Alice Guerra (2021). MotoGP, svolta green: Mondiale più ecosostenibile dal 2024. Skysport

MotoGP, svolta green: più ecosostenibile dal Mondiale 2024 | Sky Sport 

Maja Czarzasty-Zyber (2025). Formula 1’s Green Revotion. Motorsport prospect

Formula 1’s Green Revolution – Motorsport Prospects

Green.org (2024). Sustainability in Motorsports: Eco Vehicles on the Racetrack

Sustainability in Motorsports: Eco Vehicles on the Racetrack