In the world of motorsport, it seems unimaginable that we could see the sport without the internal combustion engine. However, as the transportation industry begins to embrace alternative engine solutions like electric- and hydrogen-powered engines, it won’t be long until the motorsport world will have to also take part in this transformation. However, movement towards this has already been occurring, from Formula One planning on using 100% sustainable fuel from next year to hydrogen-powered motorcycles making their debut.
The road to transforming motorsport
The road to transforming motorsport into more sustainable solutions must bridge the gap of not losing the essence of the sport while committing to environmental solutions for a more sustainable planet. The effort will involve reimagining motorsport, not only with regards to new alternative engine solutions but also reducing logistical carbon footprint, promoting renewable energy at events, and encouraging fans to embrace and engage in sustainability efforts.
While transformation has been slow, there have been promising commitments and efforts in the motorsport world. Not only does the Formula E series exist, which showcases the most advanced motorsport engine solutions which are fully electric, but commitments from more popular motorsport events like Formula One have pledged towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Hydrogen-powered motorcycle makes its debut
Earlier this year, the Le Mans 24-hour Endurance motorcycle race took place, where engine developer Kawasaki took the opportunity to debut and demonstrate their hydrogen-powered motorcycle development. The motorcycle prototype, the HySE motorcycle, was ridden by test rider Matthias Hoeppner. The prototype was based on the H2 SX internal combustion engine model, which features a supercharged 998cc inline-four making 197 HP.
“Our research into hydrogen power illustrates well the Kawasaki principles of not only embracing new technologies but also applying practical applications to them. Being one of the test riders I am well used to the HySE machine by now but it still gives me a thrill each time I ride it knowing it is powered exclusively by hydrogen. The demonstration lap was shown live on worldwide television and the huge crowd really appreciated the chance to see an actual working example of hydrogen motive power applied to a motorcycle,” said Matthias Hoeppner.
The test of the new motorcycle forms part of Le Mans’ long-term vision of a 24-hour endurance race with electric and hydrogen motorcycles in order to contribute to an environmentally conscious world. Further, the motorcycle demonstrates a future whereby motorcycle racing may be transformed by hydrogen power.
F1 commits to a more sustainable future
Le Man’s 24-hour Endurance motorcycle race is not the only motorsport event that is paving the way for a more sustainable future. 2026 is set to be a year of change for Formula One. From next year, Formula One will be using 100% sustainable fuel, as part of their broader mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“The key features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced, sustainability technology and safety. Our aim, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Other exciting changes to be expected from next year for Formula One include a return to Madrid, a city that has not held an F1 race in 45 years. The Miami and Austrian Grand Prix have also recently been announced to be staying in the race calendar for Formula One well into the 2040s, with both signing contracts with race organizers to continue to host a Formula One Grand Prix until 2041. New changes are also expected to come to the cars on the grid, where they are expected to be lighter and more aerodynamic than ever before.
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