DHL and Formula 1 are extending their global partnership ahead of the start of the 2018 season, which will open with the Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 23-25.
DHL remains the Official Logistics Partner, and the agreement also makes it the first official partner of the F1 eSports Series in which fans and gamers compete to be crowned the best virtual F1 driver.
Other joint initiatives are also planned, including fan festivals and new digital formats. DHL will continue to present the DHL Fastest Lap Award and the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award, two prizes for exceptional performances by racing drivers and teams.
“As logistics partner, DHL is in charge of the complex shipping of Formula 1 vehicles and equipment, said Arjan Sissing, head of corporate brand marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “The brand is therefore an integral component of this highly emotional sporting and entertainment experience with global reach.”
Sean Bratches, managing director, commercial operations at Formula 1, said: “Our sport is very fast-moving, where precision and punctuality are ingredients. These attributes are also central to DHL, and this is a guarantee for the ongoing success of this relationship.”
Every year, DHL organises the shipping of up to 2,000 tons of freight to the Formula 1 racetracks, including cars and replacement parts as well as marketing and hospitality equipment.
This year, for the first time in Formula 1 history, races will take place on three consecutive weekends: the French Grand Prix on 24 June, followed by a race in Austria and then another in the UK. This provides a special challenge for DHL.
“With more than 35 years of experience in Formula 1 logistics, we are perfectly equipped for this challenge and will ensure that everything runs reliably and on time at each race venue, even with such a tight schedule,” said Nieszner.
In other news from the logistics provider, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has announced its acquisition of UK-based DOT (Delivered On Time), which offers a range of logistics services and specialises in motor sports, TV and broadcasting, and international events.
According to Thomas Nieszner, president and global head of motorsport at DHL Forwarding, Freight: “The acquisition of DOT provides growth and produces a series of synergy effects, for example, in our range of services for Formula 1 and Formula E.”
