Good morning Qualifiers,

A week full of action requires a week full of content.

Preseason testing began earlier today. To no surprise, Max Verstappen is clear of the field. Here’s the top-10 timing sheet as of this writing:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:31.662

2. Lando Norris (McLaren) + 0.822

3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) + 0.992

4. Daniel Ricciardo (RB) +1.119

5. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) + 1.412

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) + 1.585

7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) + 1.723

8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) + 1.996

9. Zhou Guanyu (Stake) + 2.209

10. Logan Sargeant (Williams) + 2.220

We can only hope that everyone can catch up to MV1 in that Red Bull sooner rather than later.

With sustainability a hot topic lately in Formula 1, I thought it was a good time to write about the mind-blowing logistics of getting all the gear and personnel around the globe. This has been written about, but not here on The Qualifier.

I hope you enjoy it.

One thing I ask is that if you find this newsletter interesting, would you share it with someone you think would also enjoy it? Thank you 🙏

The Complex World of Formula 1 Logistics

Formula 1 is not just the pinnacle of motorsport but also a monumental showcase of logistics, blending speed, precision, and global coordination to bring the spectacle to fans worldwide. The sport's calendar, spanning 24 races across 21 countries on five continents within nine months, is a logistical marvel. 

Transportation is multimodal, leveraging land, air, and sea to navigate ten different time zones, spending 240 hours on flights and transporting 1,500 tons of equipment over 75,000 miles. This includes the cars and team garages, hospitality units, and the broadcast media setup essential for bringing the race to millions of fans worldwide. 

The complexity is further heightened by external factors such as weather delays, customs regulations, and even global events like the pandemic, which have tested and ultimately showcased the resilience and adaptability of the F1 logistics operation. The logistics operation is also based on speed and precision engineering. A team could be highly disadvantaged if one piece doesn't make it to a race. 

For example, in 2021, the Haas team missed the first round of pre-season testing in Bahrain after the cargo plane they used to transport their vehicle was stalled in Istanbul due to technical difficulties. The shipment arrived two days later than planned, according to F1.

Behind the glamour of racing, each F1 team orchestrates a logistical symphony to design, develop, and manufacture their cars within their unique headquarters, known as factories. These hubs of innovation are spread across Europe, with the majority in the UK and others in Italy and Switzerland. The operation involves a dedicated staff of logistics specialists, such as those from DHL, F1's official logistics partner, with a dedicated staff of 35 specialists who travel to each race to manage transportation, setup, breakdown, and packing. 

The season's logistics can looked at in two halves: the European races, which benefit from the proximity and cost-effectiveness of truck transportation, and the more challenging fly-away races, necessitating air and sea transport. European races see teams transporting the essential racing gear and constructing elaborate motorhomes at each venue. These motorhomes are pivotal, acting as temporary headquarters, underscoring the scale of logistics beyond mere transportation.

Fly-away races, however, present a different set of challenges, with teams planning months in advance for the logistics of races in locations as diverse as Australia, Brazil, China, and Saudi Arabia. The strategy involves a rotation of shipping containers across the globe, ensuring equipment is at the ready for each race. This leapfrog pattern of logistics underscores the sport's global footprint and the logistical prowess required to sustain it.

The intricacies of F1 logistics extend to managing back-to-back races, where teams face tight turnarounds to pack, move, and set up in a new country within days. These operations are critical, with every minute of planning and execution contributing to the team's success on race day.

Sustainability has become a key focus, with efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of this global operation. Innovations in shipping methods, using more fuel-efficient aircraft, and testing biofuels for transport trucks are part of the sport's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. These efforts illustrate a broader commitment within Formula 1 not just to maintaining the spectacle of racing but to doing so in a way that is increasingly mindful of environmental impacts.

The narrative of Formula 1, with its intricate logistics and global spectacle, culminates in a testament to human innovation and resilience. Beyond the adrenaline of racing, the silent, relentless effort of logistics ensures the heartbeat of F1 continues to pulse vigorously across continents. 

This logistical prowess brings the world closer and pushes the boundaries of sustainability, aiming for a future where speed and responsibility race side by side. As F1 continues to evolve, its commitment to logistical excellence and environmental stewardship ensures that the world's premier motorsport remains at the forefront of technological and ecological advancements, making every race not just a competition of speed but a celebration of global unity and forward-thinking.

If you want to watch all the action this season, the best way is with an F1TV Subscription (where applicable). There’s even a 15% discount right now.*

An Experience You Won’t Want to Miss

I’m excited about this one, not just for obvious reasons, but because it’s one of those collaborations that offers an upscale experience without forgetting to pay homage to the series’ history.

The Legends Lounge | Schumacher sets out to celebrate the legend himself and his illustrious Formula One legacy. The lounge commemorates 30 years since his first championship win.

You’ll dive into an exclusive showcase featuring rare artifacts, Schumacher's iconic cars, and special guest appearances. Experience the extraordinary with behind-the-scenes insights into Michael's unparalleled career and the resilience that made him a legend.

You’ll also have the opportunity to attend "An Evening for Michael," a unique dining experience with F1 legends, sharing untold stories and auctioning precious memorabilia to benefit the Keep Fighting Foundation.

Read the official press release here.

From Around the World of Motorsport

• Get 15% off F1TV if you sign up before 25 February*

• [WEC] AF Corse’s #83 Ferrari Hypercar to run a yellow livery 🔥 

• [WEC] WEC extends US coverage on Max

• [F1] Red Bull is not sure about the zero-pod design

• [F1] Charlotte Tilbury, an official sponsor of F1 Academy

• [F1] Hamilton’s a business, man

• [F1] Eliza’s Ferrari-Red Shopping List

• Peugeot 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar LEGO Technic*

• [NASCAR] Massive wrecks at Daytona: will NASCAR do anything about it?

• [NASCAR] Joey Logano on fans and hanging in the F1 paddock

• [MotoGP] Bagnaia destroys lap record at testing

*a message from our sponsor

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