Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team has debuted a bio-based carbon fiber composite material on its W16 race car at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend (September 21).
The rear brake duct wheel shields on George Russell’s W16 – which crossed the line P2 in Baku – were developed using a new resin that includes 30% bio-based materials. This is the first time the team has used sustainable carbon fiber composites on a technically performant component in race conditions. This bio-based material advancement was made in close partnership with Syensqo.
Applying these materials to the rear brake duct wheel shields, with their intricate aerodynamic surfaces, demonstrates that the technology can withstand the extreme conditions of Formula 1 racing and that it has the potential for widespread adoption across the sport, the team said. Material innovation is a crucial step for Mercedes-AMG Petronas in reaching net zero across all scopes by 2040.
Head of sustainability Alice Ashpitel commented, “We are proud to be powering sustainable innovation within Formula 1, introducing sustainable carbon fiber composites on a technically performant component. This project with Syensqo highlights our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of performance.
“By integrating bio-based resin within a carbon fiber composite material, we are setting a new benchmark for the future of motorsport and beyond. The fact that these materials have been derived from by-products associated with the creation of bio-diesel is an added benefit and indicates the power of advanced sustainable fuels.”
Rodrigo Elizondo, president of Syensqo Composite Materials, added, “We are pleased to see our project with Mercedes come to life on the W16 race car. Our bio-based resin technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable materials innovation.
“By replacing traditional petroleum-based components with those derived from renewable sources, we are not only introducing circularity in our product design but also paving the way for future innovations. We are very pleased to see this material applied in such a high-performing environment, showcasing its potential for broader applications.”
Toto Wolff, CEO and co-owner of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, said, “In an era where innovation drives performance and shapes industry futures, the pursuit of smarter, faster and more efficient technologies has become a defining challenge of our time. This project not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also highlights the role of Formula 1 as a testbed for pioneering technologies that can benefit a range of industries. Our sport is the world’s fastest test lab, and these innovations represent our relentless pursuit of performance and appetite to contribute beyond the grid.”
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