The logistics behind Formula 1

During the Brazilian GP there was panic in the paddock on Thursday. There were problems with the loads of various teams. That's why I thought: let's find out exactly how logistics work in Formula 1

Formula 1 logistics is one of the largest in the world. There is literally everything involved in organizing a race. Like everything for the teams, television production and the FIA. In a time period of 9 months there are 23 races (and counting) to be held in 23 different countries spread over 5 continents. They use roadways, airways & waterways to transport their cars, equipment and personnel all over the world. Freight transport is usually used in Europe because most teams are stationed here. During this period you will also see the large motorhomes. If Formula 1 goes to America, Asia, etc., they make more use of ships, planes and/or trains. The F1 cars are packaged up and transported without all of their aero packing for road transit. The autos are cushioned and placed on an elevated platform within the truck to avoid movement or damage. The trucks are loaded with all of the race weekend's equipment, including cars, spare parts, and tools. Privat contractors and companies deliver tires, gasoline, and other equipment independently.

The teams use DHL for the big and important stuff. They call in various local companies for items that are rare and uncommon. DHL is partner of Formula 1 ever since 2004. They provide almost everything from cargo via Water and Air. Formula 1 cargo in numbers (from DHL):

•  Over a season, 660 tons of air freight and 500 tons of sea freight will be moved around.
•  Over a season they will travel almost 132,000 km for the F1 teams.
•  A single team will transport around 50 tons of cargo per season, this costs roughly $8000000 (or €7079240).
•  Per Grandprix weekend, DHL will use six or seven cargo planes.

With the news that Formula 1 wants to plan more and more races, DHL must prepare for this difficult task, there will be more back to back races where DHL will have only 3 days to complete everything from one Grandprix weekend to another Grandprix to spend the weekend. Usually the teams start breaking up in the evening after a race so that all the material can be quickly packed and transported. If there are problems with the transport, this can have major consequences for Formula 1. As was the case during the Brazilian GP. Several teams still had no car available at the end of Thursday. Because several containers were stuck in Miami. If a team cannot race due to transport problems, I think the FOM will postpone the race. Imagine that in Abu Dhabi during the (probable) Championship race, only half of the Mercedes team's equipment is present and they lose the championship because of this. That will be very bad advertising for Formula 1 and DHL.

Rick

Video about the logistic in Formula 1