The Porsche Formula E team has begun testing their new Gen4 race car at Monza recently and I have the details in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also have details of hydrogen at Le Mans, how Formula E is accelerating the EV transition and much more.
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
Fillon: ACO/Toyota H2 Deal Not the End for Fuel Cell
ACO President Pierre Fillon has insisted that the organization’s deal with Toyota to provide hydrogen powertrains does not spell the end for the potential for fuel cell technology in the FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Fuel cell is still in the scope,” said Fillon. “But for the moment, it’s easier to come with an ICE, in terms of technology and in terms of weight. With fuel cell, we need some more development, because it’s still early for the moment. But in the rules, it will be possible to come with a fuel cell. Another important point for the fans, we are in motorsport, and I think the noise and the sound is something important, and with the ICE, you keep this feeling.”
Monza Retains FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation for Sustainability
The FIA has confirmed the renewal of the Three-Star Environmental Accreditation for Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The recognition follows a review of the documentation submitted by the circuit, which highlighted the robustness of its environmental management system and the strategy adopted to continuously improve its environmental performance.
The documentation assessed included the ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 20121:2024 certifications, relating to environmental management and the sustainable management of events, respectively, as well as the Sustainable Event Management Policy, the ESG Impact Report 2025, environmental objectives and related improvement programmes, internal audit records, greenhouse gas emissions inventories, and documentation relating to supply chain management.
The FIA assessment highlights Autodromo Nazionale Monza’s strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, underpinned by a structured system of objectives, performance monitoring, internal audits and stakeholder engagement.
From Racetrack to Road: How Formula E is Accelerating the EV Transition
Formula E is proving that electric racing can do more than deliver close competition — it can help accelerate the development of more efficient electric vehicles for everyday use. In this Reuters article, Mike Scott examines how technology developed on the track is influencing road cars, from improvements in Nissan’s LEAF battery capacity and range to Jaguar’s race-derived energy-management software. With the upcoming Gen4 race car pushing the boundaries of regenerative braking, powertrain efficiency and recyclable materials, Formula E is also demonstrating how motorsport can contribute to a more sustainable automotive future.
Two Million Fewer Bottles Used: Milestone Reached by DTM and BWT
More than two million bottles saved and 70,000 Euro for a good cause: The DTM and BWT (Best Water Technology) take stock after a successful 2026 season. The partners implemented the BWT Race Lap Award to support b.waterMISSION, an initiative to provide access to safe and clean drinking water in Africa. They have also hit a new milestone with regard to reducing the number of single-use bottles used. Since launching their collaboration in 2021, the ADAC and the industry-leading water technology company have saved a total of 2,012,502 plastic and glass bottles at motorsport events.
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
Suzuki Takes on Carbon Fiber with Flax Fiber: The Sustainable Revolution That Could Transform Racing
Could flax fibre replace carbon fibre in the race machines of the future? Suzuki is exploring that possibility through its CN Challenge endurance racing project, using natural-fibre composites developed with Swiss company Bcomp and Japanese specialist Tras. In this Corse di Moto article, Diana Tamantini examines how flax fibre is being used on the Suzuki GSX-R1000R to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing while offering potential safety and performance benefits. With the material reportedly capable of reducing production-related CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared with carbon fibre, the project demonstrates how motorsport can serve as a testing ground for more sustainable technologies.
Sustainable Racing
This EV Conversion Truck Broke the 24 Hours of LeMons Record in 110 Degree Heat
This EV conversion Datsun 620 truck set a new endurance racing record at the 24 Hours of Lemons at Thunderhill, covering 1,095 miles in 25 hours in temperatures that hit 110 degrees. No gas, no engine, no overheating warnings the entire race.
Series News
Porsche Tests Gen4 Car at Monza
Porsche has been testing their new Gen4 race car at Monza and the Formula E Notebook has a great overview of how the testing went. You can read about the sessions here:
Fusion Formula E Joins Formula E Grid with Porsches
Speaking of Porsche, Formula E’s upcoming GEN4 era is set to welcome a new team, with Fusion Formula E securing the final spot on the championship’s 2026–27 grid. In this report from FE Notebook, Sam Smith reveals how the new Porsche customer operation came together at the last minute, with former Jaguar and DS Penske technical leader Phil Charles set to take the role of team principal. The team plans to run two Porsche GEN4 cars, bringing Porsche’s total representation on the grid to six and restoring the championship to a 12-team field. With preparations for the new season already underway, the team must build its operation quickly, recruit staff and finalize its driver line-up.
Opel Will Run Its Own Formula E Team. Stellantis Has Never Raced the Series That Way
Opel will run its own Formula E team from Rüsselsheim, ending Stellantis’ habit of handing operations to partners. Backfire Racing explains why Gen4 makes the gamble smarter.
Bridgestone’s Intensive GEN4 Development Explained
Bridgestone has been a key and underpinning technical cornerstone for the GEN4 project according to the driver who has logged more miles in the car than any other driver. James Rossiter has accrued approximately 7000kms of running in the original GEN4 development car and has worked intensively with Bridgestone engineers, a relationship he re-kindled after years working with the company in F1 testing and Japanese Super GT racing. Formula E Notebook has the full details here.
Lola Formula E Prepares for GEN4 with New Team Structure and Leadership
Lola is strengthening its independence ahead of Formula E’s GEN4 era, bringing its race team operations in-house and adopting the new name Lola Formula E Team. Yamaha will remain a key technical partner, continuing to lead powertrain development, while experienced motorsport engineer Gerry Hughes returns to Lola as Deputy Team Principal. With experience spanning Formula 1, Formula E, IndyCar and touring cars, Hughes will oversee day-to-day operations and sporting matters as the team builds its capabilities for the next chapter of electric racing.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
