F1 is the very pinnacle of of efficiency…

the objective is to convert as high a % as possible of the energy in the limited size fuel tank into forward motion

it is about getting as much performance as possible from a given amount of fuel

it is about burning that fuel as completely, cleanly and efficiently as possible

it is about minimising the weight of the car using advanced materials, which in turn minimises the power needed to move it forward at a given rate, whilst maintaining safety standards

it is about minimising the efficiency of the aerodynamics so that the car does not have excessive drag.

these are all design approaches that are primarily concerned with efficiency

The primary reason for motorsport to be seen to be developing efficient technology is not to reduce it’s own emissions (which are negligible compared to those of the fans coming to watch the races)…. it is actually to effect a much more significant change in the perception of efficient technology in the minds of the millions globally who watch the sport on tv. Racing needs to make efficient cars cool by attaching the virtues of efficiency to the embodiment of a car that exudes excitement and passion. by changing the perception of efficient transportation, worldwide consumers will demand cleaner cars, and the capitalist market car makers will jump to supply them.

Firstly, emissions from Formula 1 (along with the World Rally Championship) are currently offset by the FIA. Obviously this does not include the contribution made by the spectators – they’re left to deal with their own conscience.

Clean technology next season: Firstly heat recovery is not to be introduced yet. Even if it will, it is unlikely to filter down to the ordinary road user as the energy recovered will be negligible on most cars due to the much higher fuel economy. Braking energy is to be recovered BUT it will be used on top of the existing power for short bursts of extra speed. So in itself this does not result in a cleaner car although the technology may filter down to road users. However, it also may not since car companies are ahead of the game, although F1 may move to smaller engines as the technology is developed. I’d point you in the direction of this article which covers that issue in greater depth: http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=361

So all-in-all, Formula 1 isn’t as bad as is widely thought BUT in attempt to improve that image it is doing stuff that will actually have no effect on any carbon footprint (and may actually cause more of an environmental issue).