Formula 1 is known for speed and innovation, but at Sauber Motorsport, sustainability is just as crucial to the race. As Sustainability Manager, Almira Tabakovic is driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and foster a more inclusive industry.
With the potential to influence not just motorsport but the wider automotive and technology sectors, Sauber’s sustainability efforts are setting new standards for performance and responsibility.
Forward talent caught up with Almira to discuss the challenges of making motorsport more sustainable, the groundbreaking technologies shaping the future, and how diversity plays a key role in fostering success - both on and off the track.
In a few words, can you introduce the company you work for and your role?
My Name is Almira Tabakovic and I am a Sustainability Manager for Sauber Motorsport. The company operates Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, one of the ten F1 teams participating in the Formula One World Championship. Sauber, based in Switzerland, is the fourth oldest team in the paddock. It was founded over 50 years ago in 1970 and has been in Formula 1 for more than 30 years.
What problem/s are you solving?
As a Sustainability Manager, I lead the development and implementation of comprehensive sustainability strategies, focusing on environmental compliance, resource efficiency, and eco-friendly initiatives. Additionally, I drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to foster a more inclusive workplace, like the partnership we have with Motorsport Australia and their Girls on Track programme.
I address challenges such as reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and aligning our practices with global sustainability standards. Crucially, I engage and manage stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring their support and collaboration to achieve impactful and lasting sustainability outcomes.
As pioneers in sustainability within the motorsport world, what specific innovations has your team introduced that could have broader applications beyond racing, potentially influencing the automotive industry’s shift towards greener technologies?
From 2026, the F1 cars will be driving with 100% HVO (Hydrotreated vegetable oil). The biofuel can accelerate the automotive industry’s shift to greener technologies by proving a drop-in fuels that can be effectively used in existing vehicles, helping reduce global carbon emissions without needing extensive infrastructure changes.
How do you approach the challenge of reducing the environmental footprint of a global sport like Formula 1, considering aspects like logistics, materials, and energy consumption, while still maintaining competitive excellence?
This is a great question and we are working very hard to find solutions taking all these aspects into consideration.
It requires a close collaboration between the FIA, F1, the F1 teams, and promoters. We are currently discussing the best approach on how to tackle these challenges. As you can imagine it is not an easy task as we want to keep the sport attractive, competitive while including all important sustainability aspects.
What technology are you most looking forward to becoming mainstream in the next few years?
I am very excited about the introduction of HVO as it has the potential to have a vast environmental impact on a global scale, helping reduce carbon emissions not only for the sport but for everyone.
The Sauber Group is committed to inclusivity and have been recipients of the “We Pay Fair” certificate for a number of years. What role do you believe diversity and inclusion play in fostering creativity and success within an organisation?
Diversity and inclusion play a pivotal role in fostering creativity and success within an organization by bringing together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
In F1, while the sport benefits from a diverse workforce in terms of nationalities, it remains male-dominated. Increasing the representation of women and other underrepresented groups would enhance innovation, decision-making, and problem-solving by incorporating different viewpoints.
This not only drives creativity but also makes the sport more reflective of its global audience, contributing to a more inclusive, dynamic, and successful environment.
What are the 2/3 most used apps on your phone?
Audible - I love books! Having them as an audio format allows me to "read"/listen when I usually wouldn't be able to (driving, cooking, etc.)
Whatsapp - staying connected with my friends and family, even when they are far away.
Spotify - music is healing for the soul and can help shift your mood in a second.
