Rosberg thinks F1 can learn from Extreme E: "We are pioneers"

Nico Rosberg sees that Formula 1 has a lot to learn from Extreme E in terms of sustainability. In an interview with Forbes the 2016 champion discusses the exemplary role his new racing class has to play.

Since leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2016, Rosberg has been involved in the Extreme E racing class where cars race in extreme nature conditions. In that class, many developments are taking place around sustainability that Formula 1 is a long way from achieving, such as electric engines and synthetic fuel, for example.

According to Rosberg, this gives the class a pioneering role, something Formula 1 can still learn a lot from. "We are pioneers and are showing with Extreme E that it can be done. I am optimistic because I see how much attention the subject is getting everywhere and how other sports are following Extreme E's example. Even Formula 1 is increasingly committed to sustainability."

Synthetic fuel

Formula 1's goal is to be completely carbon-neutral by 2030. One way to achieve this would be to use renewable fuel from 2026. Rosberg has misgivings about the feasibility of that target, partly because there is not yet much sustainable technology that can deliver what Formula 1 cars demand.

"It's great for Formula 1 because it becomes carbon-neutral, but it also has to remain technologically relevant, and I'm not sure that's suitable," Rosberg said. "At the moment it doesn't look like synthetic fuels will catch on outside the sport because of the cost and scarcity of renewable energy. But CO2 neutrality is definitely a top priority for Formula 1, and synthetic fuels are a good way to get there."