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- F1 first: Mercedes’ 2025 W16 car will integrate sustainable carbon fibre composites.
- Performance meets sustainability: New materials aim to maintain race standards while cutting carbon footprint.
- Beyond motorsport: Innovations could impact aerospace, aviation, and high-performance industries.
Driving Sustainability in F1
Mercedes is set to debut sustainable carbon fibre composites in its 2025 Formula 1 car—the W16—marking a major step in motorsport sustainability. With carbon fibre making up 75% of the car’s materials, this shift supports the team’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040.
The Innovation Behind It
Sustainable carbon fibre requires a shift in both its key components: fibres (60%) and resin system (40%). Mercedes is spearheading two projects in collaboration with suppliers—one focused on resin, the other on fibres—to introduce these materials later this year.
Each composite part involves up to eight suppliers and undergoes extensive testing to meet F1’s rigorous standards. The team is working with the FIA to ensure sustainable materials perform at the same level as traditional composites.
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Beyond the Racetrack
Mercedes sees applications for these innovations beyond F1, spanning aerospace, aviation, and technical performance fabrics.
What They’re Saying
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO: “When you combine performance and innovation, you create progress. I am proud to lead a team of problem solvers committed to driving sustainable change.”
Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability: “Leadership must be driven by innovation. Our efforts in this space demonstrate our ambition to become one of the world’s most sustainable global sports teams.”
With F1 acting as the world’s fastest laboratory, Mercedes is setting a new standard in sustainable high performance.
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