The current season of Formula One has certainly been exciting and unpredictable so far, and while all eyes may be on the points, podiums and pole positions, there is a whole other set of numbers that often get overlooked – the behind-the-scenes logistics that make it all possible. We take a closer look at some of the numbers behind Formula One.
People, parts and places
Every year, the Formula one season comprises over 20 events, usually separated by little more than a week or two. Aside from the rare cancellation of a stage, such as Russia this year being skipped due to the situation in Ukraine, it is a relentless timetable for drivers, their teams and logistics staff alike.
F1’s official logistics partner, Deutsche Post DHL Group, employs a dedicated team of 35 specialists whose job is to travel to each race to manage transportation, setup, breakdown and packing.
Crunching the numbers
The 2021 F1 season saw 1,540 tons of equipment and 532 cars travel more than 74,500 miles. That translates to about 44 to 55 tons for each of the 10 teams, along with over 330,000 pounds of broadcast media equipment, 30 containers of tents and other hospitality equipment, and more than 22,000 pounds of electronic gear per team. According to Williams Racing, around 60 computer screens are fitted for their team alone, with 400 miles of wiring and cables required to run the IT infrastructure.
Off track logistics
In addition to the kits transported from circuit to circuit, about 120 shipping containers circulate in the background to support the transportation of non-technical equipment such as furniture or catering items to race sites.Â
Racing through the sky
Events taking place between continents typically require between five and seven Boeing 777 aircraft. Today’s race cars are disassembled and packed in sections put in foam slots – sometimes with added bubble wrap as an extra precaution – and transported in specially built protective pods that fit into an air container, ready for reassembly at the next destination. Each aircraft can carry about 40 pods.
F1 in tyres
​​Each F1 team is issued twenty sets of tyres for a Grand Prix weekend. Of these, 13 sets are dry tyres, and 7 sets are wet tyres. This adds up to a total of approximately 1800 tyres per racing weekend – or 40,000 tyres per season!
Here at Tyreland, we don’t stock Formula One tyres, but we do have a huge selection of premium, mid-range and budget tyres in stock at the best possible prices. To find your nearest location call today on 01 860 20 20.
