La logistics in Formula 1 it's really complex. It couldn't be otherwise, or a triptych of races like the one that just ended with the Jeddah GP it would not be possible. There are many criteria and needs to be respected, between the growing ambition of this sport to spread throughout the world and the noble goal of polluting less, to do one's part in caring for the planet. The F1 moves are scheduled according to this very delicate balance. Let's see, therefore, together what are the foundations on which the entire logistics of Formula 1 rests.
The three main challenges for logistics in Formula 1
Formula 1 runs very fast on the track, but it's no joke off it either. Moving all the material, including cars, tires, structures and everything else, is a challenge that requires strict planning and a strong propensity for flexibility. Theunexpected, in fact, is often around the corner. Without going back to 2020 and the complications due to the pandemic, on the occasion of the last Chinese GP Some teams have experienced significant delays in receiving materials shipped from Australia. FIA, consequently, was forced to reduce curfew hours, to allow teams to work beyond the normal hours allowed to get back on track.
This is one of the three challenges that logistics in Formula 1 must be calibrated to. It is the greater globalization that this sport is gaining over the years. DHL, Which by 20 years is the official partner of the championship, it takes care of organizing transportation from one stage to another in the world. A task that is further complicated by the notable additions to a calendar that is now very busy. Since 2004, Formula 1 has set up camp in new nations, expanding towards theAsia ei Arab countries for example. Furthermore, thanks to the entry of Liberty Media, the American stages have increased from one to three, with the entry of Miami, next GP, and Las Vegas.
Well, this remarkable expansion leads to two other significant and closely related challenges: the environmental one and the one related to transportation methods. About the latter, as explained by DHL same, particular is the programming of a multimodal logistics. In fact, according to some logics, transport can take place by flight, navigation or by moving on the road. Furthermore, multimodal options allow us to engage on two other fronts: the cost containment and, precisely, of thepollution.
DHL's Key Role in Formula 1
The ambitious goal of FIA e Liberty Media is to continue to grow, but, at the same time, keeping an eye on the environmental issue. Since the end of the 2010s, when this type of issue has become even more present in the major political and economic debates in the world. These sensitivities have also touched the motorsport and its logistics, with Formula 1 announcing the program in 2019 NetZero, which will lead the category to reach the zero net carbon emissions by 2030.
An agreement that, in addition to the teams, has also been extended to the major partners. Among these, precisely, also DHL, which is committed to adopting more ecological measures. Therefore, a first revolution has concerned means of transport of goods. Every weekend the German company finds itself transporting 1.400 tons of material, which he chose to do, however, through the use of Boeing 777 freighter a low consumption and powered by sustainable aviation fuel. Furthermore, for road travel, the teams' own vehicles are supported by a well-equipped support team. 37 trucks powered by biofuel HV100, or renewable fuel able reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
The logistics in Formula 1, then, are varied depending on the case. The more urgent deliveries are carried out by air, but using only and exclusively this means would be costly both economically and environmentally. For this reason, a part of the material, that which travels between different continents and then for longer routes, travel by sea. Finally, the matter is still different for the European trips, where all the teams are based and where a significant part of the Formula 1 calendar takes place. In this case, for shorter trips, the option is transport on the road.
Circuit stages and an optimised calendar
Logistics in Formula 1 is a race where every second counts, especially if the consecutive race weeks are two or, even worse, three. In these cases, after the post-race inspections, the teams proceed to dismantle their cars and equipment, to then ship them as soon as possible to the next circuit. The containers used are filled optimizing the spaces, just as the exit of the vehicles from the racetracks follows a rigorous precise order, in order to avoid traffic jams. While the team members usually leave on Monday morning, the material arrives at the next circuit ready to be reassembled and made usable between Wednesday and Thursday.
However, not all the material follows the calendar dates linearly. The material of the areas hospitality and offices is scheduled differently, with the teams sending five containers around the world from January and, once used, they are shipped to distant circuits where the race weekend will take place in the following months. For this reason, as he says NSS Sports, some structural materials used in Australia will be reused at Miami, for the next race.
Finally, to facilitate logistics, Formula 1 has been working for years on a regional programming of the calendar. This is because running consecutive races grouped according to one's continent of origin makes it possible both save on expenses and both from the point of environmental view. Precisely for this reason, from next year the Canadian GP will no longer take place in June, but in May, so as not to force the entire circus to make two intercontinental trips in a row, first from Barcelona to Montreal, and then from the latter to Austria, an inconvenience that instead arises in the 2025 season.
