The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is pleased to announce the successful use of a bio-based resin on the rear brake duct wheel shields of the #63 W16 – which crossed the line in second place at the Baku City Circuit – following efforts to qualify and apply sustainable carbon fibre composites.

This groundbreaking development sees sustainable carbon fibre composites on a high-performance area of their race car for the first time, replacing 30% of the traditional resin material with those derived from renewable sources.

Applying these materials to the rear brake duct wheel shields, with their intricate aerodynamic surfaces, demonstrates the technology can withstand the extreme conditions of Formula One racing, and its potential for widespread adoption across the sport.

This innovative technology is a crucial step in their transition towards a more sustainable sport. It also marks the first time that the team has integrated sustainable carbon fibre composites on a technically performant component in race conditions.

“In an era where innovation drives performance and shapes industry futures, the pursuit of smarter, faster, and more efficient technologies has become a defining challenge of our time. This project not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also highlights the role of Formula One as a test bed for pioneering technologies that can benefit a range of industries. Our sport is the world’s fastest test lab, and these innovations represent our relentless pursuit of performance and appetite to contribute beyond the grid.”
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

“We are proud to be powering sustainable innovation within Formula One, introducing sustainable carbon fibre composites on a technically performant component. This project with Syensqo highlights our commitment to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of performance. By integrating bio-based resin within a carbon fibre composite material, we are setting a new benchmark for the future of motorsport and beyond. The fact that these materials have been derived from by-products associated with the creation of bio-diesel is an added benefit and indicates the power of advanced sustainable fuels.”
Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

“We are pleased to see our project with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team come to life on the W16 race car. Our bio-based resin technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable materials innovation. By replacing traditional petroleum-based components with those derived from renewable sources, we are not only introducing circularity in our product design but also paving the way for future innovations. We are very pleased to see this material applied in such a high-performing environment, showcasing its potential for broader applications.”
Rodrigo Elizondo, President, Syensqo Composite Materials