by Rebecca Wallace
To the non-familiar, Formula One (F1) is simply a race — albeit a thrilling one.
Cars, traveling at speeds of over 200 miles per hour around sweeping curves and nail-biting straights, are matched by fearless drivers, laser-focused and committed to winning. There is a reason why F1 is one of the most watched sports on the planet, capturing the imagination of hundreds of millions of fans each year.
What most viewers don’t know, behind the scenes is an equally thrilling picture. F1 is on the cutting-edge of automotive innovation, pushing the limits of engineering and vehicle efficiency.
Their regulations on engine type and size have ensured that the current F1 hybrid engine emits less CO2 than any other internal combustion vehicle on the road, delivering more power while using less fuel. The cars are a triumph of engineering, with cutting- edge components, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics, and expertise in research and development — a perfect blend of technology and human potential.
This commitment to engineering excellence is at the heart of F1 — and of Saudi Aramco — which is why we have become an official global partner of F1, including title sponsor of the Austin, Texas, Grand Prix. Just like F1, Saudi Aramco is committed to driving energy efficient solutions for a sustainable future, and to deploying the latest Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies that can help us achieve these goals.
On the surface, the connection between an oil and gas company and a motorsports giant may seem obvious, but this is more than an exercise in brand awareness and visibility. Both Saudi Aramco and F1 are committed to addressing the global emissions challenge, pushing the boundaries of vehicle efficiency and carbon reduction — both in sport and across the transport sector.
Fueling Sustainability
On the surface, the connection between an oil and gas company and a motorsports giant may seem obvious, but this is more than an exercise in brand awareness and visibility. Both Saudi Aramco and F1 are committed to addressing the global emissions challenge, pushing the boundaries of vehicle efficiency and carbon reduction — both in sport and across the transport sector.
Although, one could be forgiven for asking “How does F1 impact the road car and what does Saudi Aramco know about building engines?” and “What impact can this have on the world?”
F1 has long been a testbed for the automotive industry. For example, it has developed and advanced transport technologies, including revolutionary aerodynamics and improved brake designs, as well as applying cutting-edge materials such as carbon fiber that reduce emissions and enhance safety, benefitting millions of cars on the road today. And now, F1 intends to take automotive efficiency to the next level, announcing its first ever sustainability strategy, which is designed to deliver not only net-zero carbon race cars, but also a net-zero carbon sport by 2030.
Saudi Aramco has more than 85 years of expertise in the oil and gas industry, leveraging our engineering prowess to help meet the world’s energy needs while seeking to reduce emissions associated with the industry. Our carbon intensity in upstream operations is among the lowest in the world.
Building on this commitment to sustainability, we have more recently turned our expertise to downstream, addressing new types of challenges such as advanced fuels, nonmetallics, and carbon capture and storage.
Re-engineering the Engine
Projections suggest that vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine (ICE) will remain on our roads well into the future. Therefore, capitalizing on new technologies and using our significant knowledge in refining and fuel development, we are collaborating with automakers, technology providers and research institutions to bring meaningful emissions reduction in the automotive sector.
Our goal is to make the engines and the fuels that power them produce lower levels of emissions while still delivering high efficiency — twin goals that help address the global climate challenge. To do that, we’re working on advanced engine architecture, as well as innovating across the whole vehicle — from individual components, materials, and fuels to after-treatment technologies. With over 1 billion of the 1.1 billion vehicles in the world currently powered by ICEs, this collaboration has the potential to bring real sustainability solutions to the road.
The on-track visibility, digital on-screen graphics, and activations, will build immediate recognition for our brand, which supports commercial expansion, portfolio growth, and awareness as a publicly traded company.
Driving Potential
We are a title partner in the “F1 in Schools” program, part of the F1 School Youth Engagement effort designed to change perceptions of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young people. The international competition will see students design, manufacture, and race a miniature F1 “car of the future” over 20 meters of track — the current world record being 0.916 seconds.
Saudi Aramco already has a number of youth-based educational programs that tie in with this vision, such as STEMania, which inspires girls from grades 1 to 9 to pursue STEM disciplines. Together, we will be collaborating to expand the F1 in Schools program to Saudi Arabia and grow interest in STEM around the globe.
Engineering the Future
It is clear that Saudi Aramco and F1 share a common vision — a future in which vehicles are more efficient, global transport emissions are lower, and a future that benefits communities and citizens at home and around the world. This partnership will allow us to team up and explore just how we can leverage our shared history of expertise. It’s a chance for two industry leaders to drive new innovations and energy efficiencies together, on a global platform.
Exposure to Millions of Fans
Beyond the business alignment and sustainability objectives is the brand building opportunity that F1 offers. The sport’s audience of more than 500 million passionate fans are closely aligned to our global brand and an audience of energy and financial influencers. The on-track visibility, digital onscreen graphics, and activations, will build immediate recognition for our brand, which supports commercial expansion, portfolio growth, and awareness as a publicly traded company.
— The Arabian Sun: March 11, 2020 | Vol. LXXV, No. 11