Formula 1 transports its cars and thousands of tons of equipment using a highly coordinated global logistics operation managed by DHL, the championship's official logistics partner. It's a massive undertaking that functions like a traveling military campaign, moving everything from the cars themselves to hospitality suites across five continents within a tight, unchangeable schedule.
The entire process revolves around the F1 Logistics Hub in Milton Keynes, UK. Most equipment is shipped back here between races to be serviced and repacked. For transportation, there are two main circuits:
- European Races: For races relatively close together, like the triple-header of Spain, Monaco, and Azerbaijan, a fleet of over 100 specially designed trucks drives the equipment. These "jumbo trucks" act as mobile workshops, carrying everything needed for the race weekend.
- Fly-Away Races: For events outside Europe, such as those in Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, the operation shifts to air and sea freight. Dozens of Boeing 747 or 777 cargo planes are chartered. The cars, packed in custom-made temperature-controlled containers, and the most critical pit equipment travel on these "race charters." Less time-sensitive items, like hospitality furniture and marketing materials, are sent via sea freight weeks in advance.
Upon arrival, the assembly is a reverse of the packing process. The teams' logistics crews, who often travel ahead of the race team, meet the cargo at the airport. Local trucking convoys then transport everything to the circuit, where the garage is built from the ground up in a matter of hours. The efficiency is staggering; a team can fully pack a garage within five hours of the race ending and have it rebuilt and operational at the next track just days later.
| Aspect of Transport | Key Data / Details |
|---|
| Official Logistics Partner | DHL (since 2016) |
| Primary Hub | Milton Keynes, UK |
| Number of Cargo Shipments per Season | Over 1,400 |
| Air Freight (Fly-Away Races) | 30-40 Boeing 747/777 cargo charters |
| Sea Freight (Per Season) | 5-6 container ships |
| Road Transport (European Races) | ~100 jumbo trucks |
| Total Mileage Traveled per Season | Approximately 75,000 miles (120,000 km) |
| Typical Garage Pack-Up Time | 5 hours post-race |
| Customs Documents per Shipment | Up to 500 pages |
