How Are F1 Cars Transported Between Countries?

Formula 1 (F1) is one of Europe's most popular motorsport competitions, taking place in various European countries. F1 cars can’t be driven on standard roads, so you may wonder – how exactly are these vehicles and their required components and tools shipped between countries for road races? Find out now!

Are F1 Cars Hauled By Air, Land, Or Crafts?

F1 cars are primarily delivered in specialized trucks since most competitions are held in Europe and can be accessed by simply driving from one country to another. However, the air method is sometimes used for rush deliveries, and the ocean option is occasionally used for them as well.

• Road delivery(trucking) – Mostly, they are hauled by large, specially-built trucks. They’re loaded into the truck with their required equipment, tools, and supplies, and are simply driven to their destinations in Europe. This simplifies logistics quite a bit for competitors. However, this is not a viable method for international events in countries like Australia.
• Air method – It is very expensive, but it is the fastest way to ship these cars, parts, and equipment both within the same continent and across different continents. Many competitors use a mixture of trucking and air options throughout the season, depending on the locations of upcoming events.
• Ocean moving– This is the slowest, but most cost-effective way to move autos and parts between countries. It may be used to ship replacement or spare parts during the season or to move during the off-season when drivers are no longer competing in races. Ocean freight is not usually used for critical components, since it’s much slower and less reliable than road and air transport.

Moving them is not a simple process. Not only do the autos themselves need to be moved – but a massive amount of electronic equipment, testing gear, spare parts, components, and tools must also be moved to prepare for each race day.

How Are Autos Protected While Being Moved Between Countries?

Given how delicate and expensive cars are, they’re not delivered like a normal one would be dispatched– on the back of a semi-truck carrier or in a standard container, for example. Instead, they are moved into specialized road-going trucks and custom-built containers.

• Specialized road-going trucks– Each racing team has its own specially-built trucks, which are built with an elevated, cushioned platform. The auto is usually partially disassembled, with delicate aerodynamic components removed and stored in custom-built boxes.
  The entire trailer is cushioned and custom-built to ensure it does not move during transit, as this could cause damage. Usually, other spare parts, tools, and supplies are also loaded onto the truck to ensure the team has everything it needs for the race weekend.
• Custom-built containers for ocean and air method– For ocean and air, they are typically completely stripped down. The engine and gearbox are removed, as well as the mirrors, suspension parts, front and rear aerodynamic components, and any other part that could be damaged in transit.
  Each of these components is stored in its own foam box that’s custom-built to fit it. The chassis is usually covered with a custom-built protective cover during transit. Then, these individual containers are loaded onto a plane or into a container, strapped down, and secured to ensure they are completely secure.

Moving For Competitions Is A Complex And Difficult Process!

Hauling an F1 car is one of the most challenging tasks that any logistics company can take on – and given that there are usually about 21 races per year in Europe and abroad, teams need to work closely with experienced logistics providers to get the supplies they need and ensure their autos arrive in perfect condition.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this insight into how autos are delivered between countries. And if you need to haul anywhere in the US or abroad, remember to contact A1-AT online, or call us at (888) 230-9116. We can give you a free quote, and our experienced partners will provide you with excellent service.