How Formula 1 teams transport F1 cars to another country after race weekend? All you need to know

After a Formula 1 race weekend wraps up, a different race begins — the race to transport cars, equipment, and personnel to the next location. This logistical challenge involves meticulous planning, coordination, and a mix of air, sea, and road transport. So, how do an F1 team transport their equipment to another country or even another continent?

Why did the F1 team dismantle their cars?

The entire process kicks off on Sunday night once the race ends. Teams immediately begin dismantling the cars, packing them into trucks, and sending them off to airports for airfreight or ports for sea transport. Teams like Alpine and Mercedes often dismantle their vehicles to ship in parts, not just to fit into the cargo planes, but also to make necessary updates or modifications before reassembling the cars for the next race.

Mode of transportation for F1 teams?

For international races, especially those outside Europe, sea freight plays a major role. Teams pack a variety of equipment — from car components and tools to kitchen appliances, chairs, and even pit lane equipment — into large containers. These containers follow a planned route that aligns with the F1 calendar, ensuring the equipment reaches the destination well in advance. On average, these sea shipments weigh up to 24 tons.

Meanwhile, for European races, teams rely heavily on trucks to transport equipment. A convoy of up to 20 trucks filled with gear moves across the continent, ensuring teams are always prepared. When it comes to air transport, planes are reserved for the more immediate, delicate, or essential parts. Cargo planes often carry up to 16 containers packed with car components, tools, and even spare parts to ensure teams can tackle any mechanical issues.

How do teams transport Formula 1 crew?

It’s not just the cars and equipment that need to be transported; Formula 1 teams also consist of a massive entourage. Teams typically move between 100 and 115 personnel per race, including engineers, mechanics, chefs, medical staff, and drivers. A dedicated travel office coordinates flights, hotels, and transfers for all members, ensuring everyone sticks to a tight schedule. Delays are not tolerated, as even a minor hiccup could disrupt the entire operation.

Despite the meticulous planning, challenges do arise. Weather conditions, such as high winds or volcanic eruptions, can disrupt air or sea travel. Vehicles can break down, and delays in ports can affect the timely arrival of crucial equipment. Teams are prepared to work around the clock to ensure everything is set up on time, even if delays occur.

Formula 1 has been working towards making this transportation process more sustainable. As part of its plan to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, teams are increasingly using trains, such as the Eurostar, for European races, cutting down on emissions. The process of moving an entire F1 operation between countries is nothing short of a logistical feat, requiring precision and teamwork to ensure everything is trackside and race-ready.