McLaren wins environmental award

McLaren has become the first motor sport organisation in the world to receive the FIA Institute's environmental award for the achievement of excellence.

As part of the FIA's determination under current president Jean Todt for the sport to become greener and reduce its environmental impact, the governing body has introduced the award as part of a wide-ranging initiative.

McLaren have achieved the highest level attainable under the FIA Institute's sustainability programme, which helps motor sport stakeholders to measure, improve and be recognised for their environmental performance.

After the scheme was announced last year, McLaren's application saw them undergo a series of stringent assessments set out by the FIA Institute's environmental experts.

The Woking-based marque achieved the highest level by demonstrating a commitment to continual improvement and impressive environmental awareness throughout the entire organisation.

Regarding McLaren's award, Todt said: "It is an important step in the recognition by motor sport of the social responsibility our community must acknowledge if our championships are to remain in tune with the key environmental debates we are all a part of.

"The FIA and the FIA Institute are researching the environmental impact of motor sports across all our world championships."

Accepting the honour, team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: "It's great the sport is encouraging those within it to improve their environmental performance and we are thrilled to be the first to achieve the highest level."