Building the greatest racing spectacle on the planet | DHL & F1

Summary

The 2019 Formula One season showcased a global spectacle, with 21 races across the world. DHL's logistics ensured the seamless transportation of over a thousand tons of equipment, including bodywork and broadcasting gear. The meticulous planning involved months of preparation, with 12 races outside Europe requiring specialized solutions. The 'flyaway' races highlighted the challenge of temporary setups, such as Singapore's street circuit, necessitating around-the-clock work and efficient freight management. The collaboration between DHL, F1, and teams resulted in a thrilling experience for fans worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ Formula One is a global sport that travels to 21 locations each season.
• 🌐 The 2019 season involved extensive logistics to ensure teams were ready for each race.
• 📅 The season spans from March in Melbourne to December in Abu Dhabi.
• 🔧 Over a thousand tons of equipment, including bodywork, technology, tools, and machinery, are transported.
• 🌍 DHL plays a crucial role in logistics, moving equipment across the world.
• 🚢 Shipping containers transport non-critical items like jacks, trolleys, and kitchen equipment.
• 🌳 Using sea freight is more sustainable due to lower CO2 emissions compared to air freight.
• 🏁 Each temporary headquarters is built from scratch and then dismantled.
• 🛠️ Critical items, without which a race cannot take place, are carefully transported.
• 🏭 The teams can only start building their operations once all cargo has arrived at the circuit.
• 🎥 The Formula One production crew travels with the race to set up broadcast facilities.

Q & A

How many locations did the Formula One season travel to in 2019?

The Formula One season traveled to 21 locations across the globe in 2019.

What is the significance of DHL's role in Formula One?

DHL plays a crucial role in Formula One by transporting over a thousand tons of equipment, including bodywork, technology tools, machinery, and catering facilities, to every race around the world.

What are the 'flyaway' races in Formula One?

The 'flyaway' races are the 12 races that take place outside of Europe, which require specialist logistics expertise due to the distance and unique challenges they present.

How does the transportation of Formula One equipment by sea differ from air transport?

Transporting equipment by sea is more sustainable as it has lower CO2 emissions compared to air transport, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the championship.

What logistical challenges does the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore present?

The Marina Bay circuit presents logistical challenges due to its location on the streets of Singapore, where roads can only be closed during certain times of the day, necessitating careful planning and coordination.

How does the logistics team handle back-to-back races in Formula One?

For back-to-back races, which occur every seven days, the logistics team works around the clock to ensure that equipment, including critical items, is transported and set up in time for the next race.

What is considered 'critical freight' in Formula One logistics?

'Critical freight' in Formula One logistics refers to items that are essential for the race to take place, such as pitstop equipment, computer services, secure data links, and components to construct up to three F1 cars.

How are Formula One cars transported to different races?

Formula One cars are stripped down to their last components, with parts such as the engine, gearbox, wings, mirrors, and suspension parts removed and packed individually into customized cargo containers for transport.

What role does the Formula One production crew play in broadcasting races?

The Formula One production crew travels from race to race to assist in constructing and fully operating the broadcast center, which can transmit action from 126 cameras to over 170 territories.

How is the Silverstone circuit prepared for the British Grand Prix?

The Silverstone circuit is prepared with convoys of trucks transporting everything needed for the race weekend. Over the course of five days, 27 trucks unload freight onto the site, which is transformed into the headquarters for Formula One's Grand Prix operations.

What is the timeline for setting up the paddock and fan zones at a Formula One race?

The paddock construction begins one week before the site is open to ticket holders, and the Formula One team builds the fan zone and race hospitality areas during this time. The teams arrive three days later to set up their areas.