The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has formed a strategic partnership with Chestnut Carbon, a nature-based carbon developer, to support high-impact carbon removal projects across the Southeastern United States. This collaboration aims to restore damaged lands and deliver meaningful, long-term climate benefits through the rejuvenation of ecosystems and the reduction of carbon emissions.
The first project in this partnership involves the restoration of 200 hectares of degraded agricultural land into vibrant, biodiverse forests. This initiative will see the planting of over 260,000 native trees, which will help to sequester carbon and restore critical habitats.
While reducing emissions remains the team’s primary goal, we acknowledge that some residual emissions may remain within our footprint. To address this, we are committed to the highest-quality carbon removals in accordance with the Oxford Offsetting Principles, ensuring that any unavoidable emissions are offset through credible, verified solutions.
Investing in a Sustainable Future
By partnering with Chestnut Carbon, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is securing nature-based carbon removal credits for future residual emissions. These credits, set to be delivered between 2027 and 2030, will offset an estimated 5,500 tonnes of CO2. While this is a small part of our overall carbon footprint, it is a critical step towards our broader goal of achieving Race Team Control Net Zero by 2030.
Chestnut Carbon’s projects primarily focus on transforming lands once used for monoculture crops and methane-heavy cattle production. To date, Chestnut Carbon has planted over 10 million trees across these lands, with a diverse mix of native pine and 18 different hardwood species. These forests will sequester over one million tonnes of carbon by 2040, contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.
A Broader Impact: Restoring Ecosystems and Supporting Communities
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond carbon removal. The restoration projects also bring tangible benefits to the region by improving air and water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting the economic vitality of rural communities. The initiative also benefits local communities by creating jobs, including sourcing seedlings, hiring local experts, and employing residents for planting activities.
These projects are part of a larger portfolio of nature—and technology-based carbon removal initiatives that the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is committed to supporting. By working with Chestnut Carbon, we ensure that our efforts align with the Gold Standard for Global Goals, one of the most rigorous certifications for forest carbon projects. This certification ensures high-quality carbon accounting, third-party auditing, and strong evidence of additionality, guaranteeing that the projects have a real and lasting impact on the environment.
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Leadership in Sustainability
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“We are determined to lead by example in the pursuit of sustainability. We’re excited about the growth of our sport in the United States and committed to supporting projects there as we work towards our goals. This collaboration is an important step in our strategy to address residual emissions in our carbon footprint. It underscores our commitment to become one of the most sustainable global sports teams.”
Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, added:
“Working with Chestnut Carbon is another step in our mission to drive sustainability and environmental responsibility within the motorsport industry. Our collaboration allows us to support projects that not only sequester carbon but also enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and provide economic benefits to local communities. These efforts are integral to our goal of fostering ecological protection and our commitment to protect and enhance local habitats. This latest investment forms a key part of our broader portfolio of nature and tech-based carbon removal initiatives.”
Ben Dell, CEO of Chestnut Carbon, also highlighted the importance of long-term sustainability in these projects:
“We are excited to be working with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to advance their carbon removal efforts using high-quality nature-based solutions. Our commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of these projects is unwavering, which is why we prioritise the permanence of our initiatives. This commitment is reflected in our ownership of the land and our 100-year project design. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive Community Engagement plan to ensure transparent communication and positive relationships with local stakeholders, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and community support.”
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the team’s sustainability journey, demonstrating the power of nature-based solutions to address climate change while simultaneously supporting local communities and enhancing ecosystems. By working with Chestnut Carbon, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team continues to lead the way in responsible, impactful environmental action.
