A race behind the F1 race: How logistics and banking come together to power the Grands Prix
Each season involves moving around 1,400 tonnes of logistics, and any disruption could have severe repercussions.
After the abrupt cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix due to US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, a complex logistics operation was set in motion to ensure the smooth running of the remaining Grands Prix. DHL, as F1's official logistics partner since 2004, had to swiftly reorganize operations, rerouting freight from Japan to the Middle East to Miami for the May race, and adapting to the new schedule for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia between the Azerbaijan and Singapore races.
This involved not only moving race cars, engines, fuel, and hospitality materials across continents, but also arranging transportation of cargo between Bahrain and Malaysia, and relocating some equipment in Singapore by land. The stakes were high: any delay in shipments could jeopardize an entire race weekend and the subsequent F1 events.
F1's global operation is a logistical marvel, with around 1,400 tonnes of race equipment traveling to 20-plus races on five continents each season. Planning begins once the F1 calendar is released, typically around the middle of the year, with teams using separate logistical routes to minimize wait times and disruptions. The logistics operation follows the race calendar, ensuring that equipment for the next Grand Prix is always ready and in transit.
The 2026 season faced potential disruption due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, reminiscent of the 2022 Russian Grand Prix cancellation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. DHL's costs for F1 logistics are dynamic and dependent on numerous variables, including shipping route changes due to geopolitical developments. Fuel expenses have risen due to surging oil prices, contributing to a 10-20 percent increase in overall business costs for DHL.
StanChart, a DHL customer and partner in sustainability, supports cross-border payments and trade compliance. Protectionist measures, such as tariffs and levies, have added complexity and cost to trade finance, impacting cargo shipments to the US and American teams like Haas. Despite these challenges, DHL and StanChart work together to ensure the F1 operation runs seamlessly, managing both physical goods and financial flows.
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