March 2021. DHL and Formula 1® are proud to announce the extension of their long standing global partnership. It spans across a number of decades. DHL thus remains the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1® for further years. We will continue to be responsible for shipping world-class motorsport around the world. 2021 sees 23 destinations on the Formula 1® racing calendar. It’s the largest number in the sport’s history. DHL will be transporting race cars, fuel and oil, equipment for the racing teams and transmission technology. DHL has been official logistics partner since 2004. We’ve been winning each “races between the races” at every Grand Prix around the world.
A rich history between DHL and Formule 1®
“We are proud to continue our unique partnership for the years to come,” says Arjan Sissing, Global Head of Brand Marketing at DHL. “Formula 1 has been delivering the ultimate in speed, precision and technology to its fans for over 1000 races. It is DHL who delivers Formula 1 across the globe. For more than four decades, our common values connect us with each other. It made it possible to win any logistics races around the world, before the first tires touch the track. We are looking forward to defend our title in each of these races between the races.”
The transport volume of up to 1,400 tons have to be transported from one venue to the next within the shortest possible time and with great reliability. That’s why DHL employs a team of motorsports logistics specialists who work closely with Formula 1® management and the racing teams. Just like on the race track, it’s all about speed, precision and cutting-edge technology. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1®, added: “DHL is our longest standing global partner. We are delighted to have signed a partnership extension that demonstrates our strong and collaborative relationship. For the past 16 years we have deliveredon and off the track together. We are proud to be working with the world’s leading logistics provider as we look ahead to the biggest season ever for Formula 1″.
The race calendar of 2021
The 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship™ begins March 28, with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021. It closes December 12 with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. The 2021 race calendar takes in 23 races on five continents and is thus more action-packed than ever. This year, drivers, teams and DHL’s logistics crew all face the special challenge of three triple headers. There will be three races over three consecutive weekends.
Triple header – Formule 1®
In the first triple header, the action takes place in Europe. The Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 in Spa-Francorchamps on August 29 will be followed by the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on September 5. A week later, the Formula 1 Heineken Gran Premio D’Italia 2021 will be held in Monza on September 12.
The second triple header is logistically even more challenging. We need to cover significantly greater distances. A week after the Formula 1 VTB Russian Grand Prix 2021 in Sochi on September 26, it’s off to the Singapore street circuit on October 3. And then on October 10, the Formula 1® circus travels to Suzuka in Japan.
There’s also quite a distance to cover in the season’s third triple header. The first stop is the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix 2021 (Austin, Texas) on October 24. From there, racing continues in Mexico City, with the Formula 1 Gran Premio De La Cuidad de Mexico 2021 on October 31. The triple header finishes on November 7 in São Paulo, Brazil.
“An intercontinental triple header is where logistics is really put to the test,” says Paul Fowler, Global Motorsport Head, DHL Global Forwarding. “Even during the race, before the checkered flag is waved, the DHL team start dismantling and stowing equipment.” The job becomes especially difficult when we need to fly parts out and back in during the three-week triple header timeframe. For example for testing in special laboratories located all around the world.
New events – Formula 1®
New events like the Dutch Grand Prix 2021 in Zandvoort challenge logistics specialists. It’s returning to the Formula 1® schedule. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 in Jeddah is another challenge. It will be held on a new street circuit.
Scouts explore these new routes to ensure smooth operations. Paul Fowler finds these challenges appealing. “We give our all behind the scenes,” he says. “This allows teams, drivers, and fans to experience the best of the sport.”
With the extended partnership, DHL offers two awards. The DHL Fastest Lap Award and the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award recognize special achievements.
