DHL wins race to secure extension to Formula One deal

DHL has extended its longstanding partnership with Formula One, ahead of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The deal sees DHL remain the official logistics partner of Formula One, for an undisclosed period of years, taking responsibility for shipping race cars, fuel, oil and equipment for the racing teams.

DHL has been the official logistics partner since 2004. Arjan Sissing, DHL global head of brand marketing said: “We are proud to continue our unique partnership for the years to come.

“Formula One has been delivering the ultimate in speed, precision and technology to its fans for over 1,000 races and it is DHL who delivers Formula One across the globe.

“For more than four decades, our common values connect us with each other and made it possible to win any logistics races around the world, before the first tires touch the track. We are looking forward to defend our title in each of these races between the races.”

This year sees 23 destinations on the Formula One racing calendar, the largest number in the sport’s history.

DHL employs a team of motorsports logistics specialists who work closely with Formula One management and the racing teams to ensure that up to 1,400 tons of Formula One gear is transported from one venue to the next reliably and within the shortest possible time.

Stefano Domenicali, Formula One president and chief executive, added: “DHL is our longest standing global partner and we are delighted to have signed a partnership extension that demonstrates our strong and collaborative relationship.

“For the past 16 years we have delivered on and off the track together. We are proud to be working with the world’s leading logistics provider as we look ahead to the biggest season ever for Formula One."

The 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship begins on 28 March, with the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 and closes on 12 December with the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This year sees the challenge of three triple headers, with three races held over three consecutive weekends.

The first triple header takes place in Europe. The Formula One Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 in Spa-Francorchamps on 29 August will be followed by the Formula One Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on 5 September. A week later, the Formula One Heineken Gran Premio D’Italia 2021 will be held in Monza on 12 September.

The second triple header sees the Formula One VTB Russian Grand Prix 2021 in Sochi on 26 September, followed by the Singapore street circuit on 3 October. Then on 10 October the Formula One circus travels to Suzuka in Japan.

The first stop in the third triple header in Austin, Texas, on 24 October, sees the Formula One Aramco United States Grand Prix 2021 take place. From there, racing continues in Mexico City on 31 October, with the Formula One Gran Premio De La Cuidad de Mexico, followed by the final event on 7 November in São Paulo, Brazil.

Paul Fowler, global motorsport chief of DHL global forwarding, said: “An intercontinental triple header is where logistics is really put to the test.

“Even during the race, before the checkered flag is waved, the DHL team start dismantling and stowing equipment.”

“Behind the scenes, we give our all to ensure that the teams and drivers can perform at their best, and that racing fans everywhere get to see the sport they love,” he added.

With the extended partnership, DHL will again offer two awards - The DHL Fastest Lap Award and the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award for special achievements by drivers and teams.

This year’s awards will be presented to the winners in Abu Dhabi on the final day of the racing season.