Kick-off for Formula 1®: Season Restart 2020 with DHL in Austria

After the COVID-19-related forced break, Formula 1® kicks off its 70th season with the Grand Prix in Spielberg. DHL, as the logistics partner, ensures safe and reliable race logistics even in these times. In recent weeks, Formula 1® and its partners and promoters have worked diligently on a safe return of the racing series.

(Bonn/Spielberg) With the first of two race weekends in Spielberg, Formula 1® starts the 2020 season after the Corona-related break, celebrating its 70th anniversary. The two races in Austria are the first in a significantly shorter and altered race calendar that Formula 1 has developed based on the current situation. Initially, eight races will be held at six different locations in Europe, including two triple headers, with more racetracks to be announced. Additional safety measures to protect against Corona will be implemented during the race weekends and for the logistics, for which DHL is responsible as the official logistics partner.

Extensive Preparation and Safety Measures

Formula 1® and its partners and promoters have worked diligently in recent weeks to ensure a safe return of the racing series. Measures taken to protect all involved include regular testing and social distancing, as well as closed events without an audience and with reduced personnel. DHL, as the official logistics partner, has also implemented extensive measures to ensure that logistics processes are safe and meet all requirements of the respective countries to protect against COVID-19. This also includes regular testing, wearing masks, and regular disinfection of work materials and equipment.

Tightly Scheduled Race Calendar as a Logistical Challenge

The anniversary season brings with its tightly scheduled race calendar a historic logistical challenge. For the first time, there are two triple headers, meaning three races on three consecutive weekends, in one season: The races in Austria and Hungary, as well as in Great Britain and Spain, take place immediately one after the other. Especially for logistics, triple headers pose a particular challenge due to the tight schedule, but DHL feels well-equipped for this due to its decades of experience. “We are glad that Formula 1 can now start its anniversary season with the double race in Spielberg,” says Paul Fowler, Vice President Global Motorsports at DHL Global Forwarding. “Due to the tightly scheduled race calendar with two triple headers, speed and utmost precision are particularly required in logistics for Formula 1, even in Corona times. We at DHL reacted very quickly to the risks of the pandemic and are well prepared to provide safe, fast, and reliable logistics in Formula 1 under these extraordinary conditions,” Fowler continues.DHL has been involved in Formula 1 for over 35 years, officially as a logistics partner since 2004. With the DHL Fastest Lap Award and the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award, the company presents two coveted awards each season for the fastest lap times and the shortest pit stops. These will also be awarded as usual in the modified 2020 season. In addition to Formula 1, DHL maintains several other partnerships in motorsport, such as with Formula E, of which the company is a founding member.

Postponement of New Regulations and Virtual Grand Prix Series

In response to the pandemic, Formula 1 has decided to postpone the new regulations and aerodynamic developments planned for 2021 by one year. This is intended to reduce the cost burden on teams during this difficult phase. The cost cap for teams has also been lowered from the originally planned 175 million US dollars to 145 million per year. During the Corona-related race-free period, Formula 1 also launched a virtual Grand Prix series. Fans could follow virtual versions of the canceled or postponed races via YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook, where several Formula 1 drivers and numerous celebrities competed against each other. Photo/Graphic: © DPDHLwww.dpdhl.com