Multi-year partnership
Long-time partners DHL and Formula 1 have extended their cooperation for several more years. DHL – with over 40 years of experience in motorsports logistics – is celebrating its 20th anniversary as Formula 1’s Official Logistics Partner, making it the sport’s longest-standing Global Partner. The collaboration aims to make Formula 1's transport and logistics more sustainable, aligning with the sport's goal of reaching Net Zero by 2030. Biofuel-powered trucks were successfully introduced last year, and their number has more than doubled this year to a total of 37 trucks, each achieving an average 83% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel trucks.
Arjan Sissing, Global Head of Brand Marketing at DHL Group, explains that there are synergies between the two organisations. "Both companies share a strong commitment to sustainability goals and a common vision to make the sport greener and more efficient. As a pioneer in sustainable logistics, we are delighted to maintain our collaboration with Formula 1 in achieving these objectives together,” he says.
The Times They Are A-Changin
In their 20-year partnership, Formula 1 and DHL have both undergone significant changes. The most notable shift happened in 2019 when Formula 1 set its Net Zero target. DHL is playing an important role in helping Formula 1 to achieve that goal. For instance, it is introducing the aforementioned biofuel-powered trucks and using fuel-efficient Boeing 777 aircraft, resulting in a 17% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional aircraft. Both DHL and Formula 1 are committed to their green agenda and plan to explore more sustainable logistics initiatives in future.
Jonny Haworth, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Formula 1, says: "As our longest-standing partner, DHL has become such a crucial part of the delivery of our events, so we’re delighted to continue that successful collaboration for many more years. Our partnership has seen the sport transform in more ways than one, and DHL have been hugely supportive in our transition to a more sustainable sport, and this will continue to be key as we move towards 2030. As sustainable logistics continues to develop, I look forward to seeing the positive impact and innovations that come next."
Expanded race calendar
The 2024 season kicked off in Bahrain on February 29th. The race calendar has expanded to 24 races this year – and they are organised to optimise travel between events and reduce freight distance.
Covering 21 countries and five continents, this season features three tripleheaders and five doubleheaders, with Formula 1 making a return to China for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. DHL manages the extensive logistics involved in transporting around 1,400 tons of high-value freight to each race, including race cars, tyres, spare parts, fuel, broadcast equipment, and marketing and hospitality gear.
The DHL Motorsports logistics team, consisting of 100 specialists, with up to half of them working on-site, is introducing a new DHL motorhome for selected European races on the Formula 1 calendar. This motorhome will serve as the designated home base for the team and comes equipped with solar panels, charging and recycling stations. It will be transported using a biofuel-powered truck, adding yet another a sustainable touch to the logistics efforts.
Ongoing “greening”
Paul Fowler, Head of Global Motorsports Logistics at DHL Global Forwarding, says the company is continuously exploring ways to achieve Formula 1’s Net Zero goal. “In addition to the increased number of trucks running on biofuel and upcoming sustainable initiatives, it is also great to see our team prioritize eco-conscious travel, exemplified by the introduction of the new DHL motorhome,” he says.
Back in 2017, DHL Group became the first logistics company globally to establish a Net Zero target for all carbon emissions linked to logistics by 2050. As a component of its sustainability strategy, the Group intends to invest an extra €7 billion by 2030 to advance toward this objective. The company is focused on boosting the use of sustainable fuels, hastening the electrification of its vehicle fleet, and building carbon-neutral structures.
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