Should all vehicles become electric?: Motorsport in a changing world

We all know that global warming and climate change is becoming an increasing issue in the modern world with the expansion of industry causing severe carbon dioxide emissions and increasing global temperatures. However, in recent years our awareness of this issue has grown allowing us to adapt to the changes in the natural world that are causing devastation on many parts of the planet.

There has been several amounts of criticism towards the world of motorsport from climate change activists such as Professor Peter Wadhams who believe that the overuse of petrol and general use of the cars is damaging the atmosphere further. As a result he looks towards other motorsports, like Extreme E, to help promote the electric world to consumers and focus on reducing our carbon footprints, saying "we all breathe the same air."

Alexei Espargaro racing at the Italian Grand Prix for Aprilia Racing Team

Despite this, the argument still stands that many types of motorsport have come far over the last few years in trying to keep their carbon emissions down, namely Formula One who have created hybrid engines much like those seen in general use cars that use both pars electric and petrol in trying to maintain a healthier world for everyone.

MotoGP are also exploring their sustainability through the use of engines that can accommodate more environmentally friendly fuels, whilst in 2019 the motorcycle world began its 'MotoE' races, much like Formula 1's 'Formula E.' Also, 8 years ago, Repsol Honda managed to reduce their carbon footprint to 0% emissions in their 2012 season, and continue to keep low levels to date.

Stoffel Vandoorne racing in the Silver Arrows at New York

However, some motorsports like NASCAR still have yet to embrace a strong sense of protection towards the planet. They have no links to environmental groups like Honda do and they do not have catalytic converters in the cars to prevent harmful gases from being released into the atmosphere. According to 'Loquitur University Student Media', "up until the year of 2017, NASCAR racing cars have been running on leaded gas. Leaded gas releases toxic lead into the atmosphere, this type of gas has not been in people’s cars since the 80s." Although they have established the organisation 'NASCAR Green' this is simply the cars racing to a green coloured flag rather than a checkered one to race awareness for global climate change - a bit hypocritical when they are releasing tons of harmful gases into the atmosphere every weekend.

Audi signing Peterhansel, Sainz Snr and Ekstrom for entry into 2022 Dakar Rally

Rally Racing is also set to be another source of environmental controversy; especially the Dakar Rally. According to 'Euroactiv', in 2016 it saw "143 motorcycles, 109 cars, 46 quad-bikes and 56 racing trucks form up on the start line in Buenos Aires" race through South America. For countries like Bolivia who have a high focus on the environment, even through law, it causes devastation to both their social and political views and the physical environment around them.

It is clear that Motorsport has changed over the years and it has become greener; however there is still a long way to go in terms of continuous sustainability and reduction of emissions which this sport needs to focus on.