The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has formalized a global logistics partnership with DHL to boost operational efficiency and advance sustainability across motor racing events. Announced at the FIA Sustainability Innovation Series during the British Grand Prix, the partnership will streamline the transport and setup of key race equipment and use cleaner fuels to reduce the environmental impact across Formula 1, 2, and 3 championships.
Streamlining Logistics Across the Racing Circuit
The FIA’s Global Partnership Programme seeks to align with organizations that drive innovation, safety, and sustainability within motorsport and mobility. DHL’s expanded role builds on its existing presence as Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1, Formula E, and the World Endurance Championship, now encompassing the transport, installation, and upkeep of FIA staging, garages, and track equipment.
Paul Fowler, DHL’s Head of Global Motorsports Logistics, emphasized the shared values of precision, speed, and sustainability between the two organizations. DHL’s expertise in international shipping and industrial logistics enables the FIA to consolidate event supply chains, ensuring smoother operations from transporting critical race gear to erecting mobile offices at venues worldwide.
Sustainability at the Forefront of Motorsport Logistics
Motorsport’s environmental footprint remains significant, with FIA reporting over 21,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions in 2023. The federation’s goal to halve 2019 emissions by 2030 drives partnerships focused on reducing transport-related greenhouse gases. As part of this, DHL is deploying seven trucks powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for European race logistics, offering up to 83% emissions reduction compared to conventional diesel.
HVO’s compatibility with existing diesel engines allows DHL to switch fuels immediately without investing in new vehicles. Complementing cleaner transport, the FIA’s rationalized racing calendar aims to cut back-and-forth travel distances, enabling greater use of low-carbon freight solutions. Craig Edmondson, FIA Chief Commercial Officer, noted this collaboration extends beyond operational logistics to embed sustainability principles across the sport.
Sustainable, Efficient Motorsport Operations
This partnership exemplifies how legacy industries can blend operational rigor with environmental responsibility. While motorsport’s global scale presents complex logistical challenges, leveraging cleaner fuels and smarter scheduling offers a practical path to decarbonization. The FIA-DHL collaboration also signals a broader shift toward integrating sustainability as a core supply chain principle rather than an afterthought. As pressure mounts on large-scale events to reduce their carbon footprint, such models could serve as templates for other sectors balancing high-performance demands with climate commitments.
