How big is Formula One operations ?
By: Mustafa Ozkan
Tags: Planning, Racing, Operations, Formula 1, Logistics

The FIA Formula 1 World Championship (in short: F1) is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. In 2018, generated $ 1.8 billion (Reuters, 2019) in total revenue. Besides the economic size, it constitutes a great example in terms of operational capability. The 2021 Formula 1 provisional calendar will be a total of 23 races. The races will start in Australia on 21st March and will end on 5th December in Abu Dhabi.

Source: 2021 F1 Provisional Calendar www.formula1.com

The longest break in the 8-month race calendar will be 26 days. Other than that, the races will take place within 1 and 2 weeks. Let’s take a look at how a Formula 1 race weeks are planned.

Formula 1 is a sport where competition is at the highest level. The 12 races on calendar take place outside of the European continent and these races are called flyaway race. 10 Teams carry their equipment, temporary race centers, garages and important living areas such as hospitality centers also known as motorhome to be competitive players.

Source: Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Motorhome also known as Red Bull F1 Energy Station www.redbull.com

The logistics planning of this valuable equipment and large cargo is carried out by Formula 1 logistics partner DHL in January. In order for the operation to be smooth, cost-effective and sustainable, 5 equal sets of containers containing of non-essential products takes off to different locations just before the season. These 5 sets are delivered to Australia, Bahrain, China, Azerbaijan and Spain. The set, which reaches Spain, moves to be used in all of the races that will take place in the European continent. The remaining 4 sets are rotated for use in other intercontinental races. The equipment used in the Australian Grand Prix of 19–21 March is on the way again for use in the Canadian Grand Prix on 11–13 June. After Canada, the British Grand Prix on July 16–18, then the Singapore Grand Prix on October 1–3, and the route is completed by going to the Brazilian Grand Prix on November 12–14.

Source: Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Pit Stop www.formula1.com

Another challenge in planning is that the Monaco, Azerbaijan and Singapore races on the calendar are transformed into a track format with the closure of city use roads. Building the track borders, paddock areas, establishing race control and broadcasting center in an area that is narrower than normal tracks, without disturbing the traffic and activity in the city is a task that requires great operational capability and time management.

Source: The Narrowest Bend of The Azerbaijan Street Circuit www.formula1.com

In addition, organizations and teams have limited time in the races held one after another. For example, the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in 2021, is estimated to end on Sunday afternoon on March 21. Teams compete over time to have critical pitstop equipment and vehicle parts ready at the Bahrain track on Wednesday, 24 March, at the latest. At this point, DHL uses aircraft cargo to perform its logistics movement. These cargoes consist of critical materials, requiring high attention and security measures.If important parts such as the engine or gearbox are damaged during transportation, this is an indication that both sides are in trouble. There are always spares of these parts, but in case of a bad scenario, neither the teams nor the sponsors will be happy about it.

Source: Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team Packages www.redbull.com

Teams usually make road transportation by using their own logistics departments in races in the European continent. In the consecutive race weeks, approximately 5 hours after the end of the race, the materials that should be on the road for the next race are prepared in a packed form. It is very important that the first cargo arrives smoothly and on time, because if there is a problem in the first part of the chain, this may affect the whole process. The first part must build the areas that will be used before the team arrives at the track. The teams can be more flexible in the races that take place every 2 weeks. This plan cycle lasts 8 months without errors.

Source: Renault F1 Team Truck www.cgtn.com

The year 2020 was different from what was expected for everyone in the world. This situation was reflected in Formula 1. We had a year without spectators and no intercontinental races. Our biggest wish is to end the pandemic in 2021 and to share this enthusiasm again.

Reference:

(Reuters, 2019) https://www.reuters.com/article/motor-f1-liberty/motor-racing-f1-teams-revenue-slides-further-in-2018-idUKL5N20N81T