The Race Behind the Race: DHL and Formula 1® With Renewed Partnership Make Montreal Vibrate

• Formula 1 teams are heading across the Atlantic for the second time this season, traveling approximately 6,000 kilometers from Monaco to Montreal.
• DHL commemorates 20 years as the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1
• Sustainability remains a top priority for both organizations.

Formula 1® is back in Montreal this season with DHL as the Official Logistics Partner. DHL ensures the smooth delivery of Formula 1 freight, covering 6,000 kilometers from the last race in Monaco to the next race in Montreal. As the ground handling agent of the race, DHL manages up to 1,400 tons of freight, including race cars, tires, fuel, and hospitality and broadcasting equipment.

This year is particularly special as DHL celebrates its 20th anniversary as the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1, making it the sport's longest-standing global partner. In addition, this milestone year sees the renewal of their partnership, with DHL continuing with the delivery of FIA Formula One World Championship™ events worldwide.

This season holds a record-breaking 24 races, showcasing the growing popularity of Formula 1. The FORMULA 1® CANADIAN GRAND PRIX 2024, taking place from June 7 to 9, is the second of four North American races. After the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, DHL will transport Formula 1 back to Europe for five more races before the summer break, starting with the Spanish GP on June 23. The Grand Prix in Montreal has been held on Ile Notre-Dame in the Saint Lawrence River since 1978. This man-made island, originally created for Expo 67, features a classic racetrack that has become an iconic part of Formula 1.

“DHL brings 40 years of expertise in motorsports logistics, and our partnership with Formula 1 has flourished over the past two decades,” says Mathieu Levasseur, Motorsports Event Manager at DHL Global Forwarding. “The Montreal racetrack is both iconic and challenging, given its island location and limited access roads. However, our extensive experience ensures seamless delivery and logistics for the event.”

Over the course of 20 years, Formula 1 and DHL have undergone significant transformation, particularly in recent years, emphasizing sustainability and the development of sustainable logistics as Formula 1 continues its journey to being Net Zero by 2030. To minimize the sport’s carbon footprint, DHL utilizes multimodal logistics solutions, including air, sea, and road transport. For air freight, DHL employs fuel-efficient Boeing 777 aircraft, achieving a 17% reduction in emissions compared to legacy aircraft. In Europe last year, DHL introduced a fleet of biofuel-powered trucks, with each truck reducing emissions by an average of 83% compared to conventional diesel trucks. This season, the number of biofuel-driven trucks has more than doubled, reaching a total of 37.

Levasseur adds: “The partnership between DHL and Formula 1 is strong not only because of our logistics expertise but also due to our shared commitment to sustainability. Both organizations prioritize eco-friendly practices and continually seek for innovative sustainable logistics solutions for upcoming seasons.”

The DHL Group also has its own Net-Zero goal to reach by 2050. In the meantime, the Group has the goal by 2030 to implement fleet electrification, develop zero-emissions facilities, and use sustainable fuels across all transportation modes. In Canada, DHL Express operates with a network of 27 HUBs and POS buildings, including 7 Gateway Transit Warehouses (GTWs), 8 Service Centers (SVC), and 12 Retail Stores. The workforce consists of more than  2,700 people. With a fleet of 375 vehicles, DHL Express in Canada covers over 8 million kilometers annually, equivalent to driving around the world 200 times. As part of their sustainability efforts, 26% of the fleet are electric vehicles (EVs), with a target of reaching 60% electrification by 2030.