Formula 1: Lando Norris celebrates victory-logistics chaos after the race!

Formula 1: Lando Norris celebrates victory-logistics chaos after the race!

On July 3, 2025, Lando Norris celebrated his third win of the season at the Austria Grand Prix. With this success in the back, the Formula 1 circus now leaves Spielberg and continues its trip to Silverstone, England. This season is particularly record-breaking because the current Formula 1 calendar includes 24 races and is therefore one of the longest in the history of Formula 1.

The challenge associated with such a long racing calendar requires sophisticated logistical planning. The drivers and teams have been on several continents for over ten months, whereby they have to deal with thousands of tons of equipment every day. The logistical complexity is particularly reinforced by the large number of overseas and European races.

Logistical challenges of Formula 1

like Krone reports, overseas races are somewhat easier in the organization, since they are managed centrally by Formula 1 and are usually transported by cargo aircraft. In contrast, races in Europe represent a greater logistical challenge. Whole cars are often transported by truck, while the more sensitive parts and vehicles are transported with air freight at overseas events. The Formula 1 organization charges six Boeing 747 annually, which cover about 130,000 kilometers during the season.

per team and engine manufacturers are transported up to 30 tons of material per race. Delays in this process can have fatal consequences, such as the delivery problems before the Grand Prix of China. The use of a combination of air and sea freight is increasingly becoming a norm to avoid logistical bottlenecks. A Boeing 777 from DHL is used for the most important parts.

The auditories and the audience are often not aware of the challenge that takes place behind the scenes of Formula 1. Around 1,400 tons of freight are transported in Formula 1, with each team moving an average of 40 to 50 tons of equipment. The entire airline of the racing calendar is around 132,300 kilometers. This enormous distance is mastered by the use of around 300 trucks in Europe, which is inexpensive, but also harbors some risks, such as traffic jams and accidents.

A look at sustainability

Formula 1 is criticized that the racing calendar and the associated CO2 emissions are not sufficient for environmentally conscious claims. In a step to improve sustainability, some measures were announced, including bundling races in regions. The conversion from Boeing 747f to 777F freight aircraft is intended to reduce carbon emissions by 19%. Teams like Mercedes even test the use of biofuels to significantly reduce freight emissions.

In addition to the logistical planning and the efforts to sustainability, Formula 1 also takes social responsibility seriously. Sir Jackie Stewart, a former world champion, is involved in an important fight against dementia, especially with regard to his wife. DHL supported him in charity by transporting the world championship car from 1973, the Tyrrell 006, to Bahrain International Circuit. In a moving context, dementia is diagnosed every 67 seconds worldwide, which indicates the importance of social engagement that goes beyond racing.

The upcoming challenge in Silverstone will represent further logistical tests for the teams and the entire Formula 1. It remains to be seen how these challenges will develop during the season.