RED ARROWS EXEMPTED FROM FORMULA ONE MILITARY AIRCRAFT BAN
Formula 1 has been making quite a lot of drastic changes in recent times to reduce the carbon footprint left behind by the sport. As we reported earlier on the “F1 Military Aircraft Ban” to reduce carbon emissions race promoters for Formula 1 races in 2022 and beyond won't have the option of putting on a military air display or flypast as part of their pre-race build-up.
The decision to ban the popular military flypasts wasn’t taken lightly by the fans of Formula 1 many of which have shared their anger and disappointment online. However, surprisingly the Silverstone Circuit managing director Stuart Pringle confirmed in a statement that despite the F1 ban on military aircraft the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team “Red Arrows” will remain part of the British Grand Prix build-up.
"The Red Arrows have played a significant part in entertaining motorsport fans since they first performed at the British Grand Prix in 1966 and I am pleased to say that Formula One has confirmed this much-loved tradition can continue at Silverstone in 2022," he said.
"The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, are not classed as military aviation and, as such, do not fall into the category of those displays that will no longer be permitted at Formula One events."
It is unclear at this stage if the Italian Air Force Aerobatic Team “Frecce Tricolori” or the French Air & Space Force Aerobatic Team “Patrouille de France” will also be exempt from the F1 ban in the future. However, what is known is that the Frecce Tricolori will no longer be featured at this years Imola and Monza races and highly likely the Paul Ricard race will not feature the Patrouille de France.
Photo: Octane Photographic Ltd.
Several races have regularly featured flypasts by fighter jets and commercial airliners and the spectacular sights of aircraft flying overhead the race tracks have become a firm favourite of many promoters.
Races in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain are sponsored by the state-owned airlines Etihad and Gulf Air respectively with both using their Boeing 787 Dreamliners to highlight low-emission technology and sustainable fuel.
The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring has also featured historic aircraft of the Flying Bulls owned by the energy drink company's billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz.
Formula One is aiming to achieve a net zero-carbon footprint by 2030, with 100% sustainable fuels from 2026 when a new engine is introduced.
