The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has partnered with Chestnut Carbon, a nature-based carbon developer, to support large-scale carbon removal projects across the Southeastern United States. The collaboration will contribute to restoring degraded agricultural land, enhancing biodiversity, and capturing carbon emissions.
The first initiative under this partnership is part of Chestnut Carbon’s Sustainable Restoration Project, which will convert 200 hectares (500 acres) of degraded farmland into thriving forests. The project involves planting over 260,000 native trees, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.
While emissions reduction remains the team’s primary goal, some residual emissions are unavoidable. The team is investing in high-quality carbon removal credits in line with the Oxford Offsetting Principles, ensuring robust and verifiable offsets.
The forward purchase of carbon removal credits, set to be delivered between 2027 and 2030, is equivalent to removing 5,500 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere. While this represents only a small portion of the team’s overall carbon footprint, it is a key step toward achieving Race Team Control Net Zero by 2030.
Chestnut Carbon’s projects focus on land previously used for monocrops and methane-intensive cattle farming. To date, the company has planted over 10 million trees, including a diverse mix of native pine and more than 18 hardwood species, expected to capture and remove over one million tonnes of carbon by 2040.
Beyond carbon sequestration, the initiative will deliver air, water, and biodiversity benefits to the region. The project will also support local economies, sourcing seedlings from local suppliers, hiring resident experts, and creating jobs for planting activities.
This initiative is part of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s broader portfolio of nature- and tech-based carbon removal projects. The team has opted for a Gold Standard for Global Goals registered project, ensuring strict carbon accounting, third-party auditing, and strong environmental integrity.
Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff highlighted the significance of the collaboration, “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.”
Head of Sustainability Alice Ashpitel added, “Working with Chestnut Carbon is another step in our mission to drive sustainability within motorsport. Our collaboration supports projects that sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and benefit local communities. This investment plays a crucial role in our broader carbon removal strategy.”
Chestnut Carbon CEO Ben Dell underscored the long-term impact of the initiative, “Our commitment to the long-term success of these projects is unwavering, which is why we prioritise permanence through land ownership and a 100-year project design. We are also dedicated to fostering strong relationships with local communities through transparent engagement and environmental stewardship.”