Logistical headache in Brazil for F1 teams

This is the kind of hitch that teams of Formula 1 would have gone well in the middle of the sequence of three Grand Prix on as many different continents.

In Interlagos (Brazil) this Thursday morning, all the teams had not yet received all of the equipment necessary for the smooth running of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

The cause ? Delays in plane departures from Mexico, where the previous round took place, due to unpredictable weather. F1 wanted to be optimistic by saying that the cargo should arrive this Thursday at the Brazilian circuit.

« We think there will be no impact on the rest of the weekend “, a spokesperson for the discipline told us. AUTOhebdo also learned that F1 equipment was also blocked in Miami (United States).

Behind the reassuring speeches, we can feel a certain excitement emerging in the stables. It must be said that this weekend takes place the 3rd qualifying sprint of the season, with qualifying scheduled for Friday afternoon.

« It's a hell of a mess », told us, visibly worried, an actor from the paddock who prefers to remain discreet. “ If everything happens on time today, it will be fine », Wanted to be positive about another member of the great F1 circus.

A bit of context for those not understanding the freight issues. F1 uses 7 (seven)x 747's for freight. Each team will load their freight slightly differently depending on how they've designed things to be grouped, so what's missing for one team, might not be for another. #F1 1/

— Mike Caulfield (@MikeCaulfieldF1) November 11, 2021

« A little explanation and context for those who don't understand freight issues, tweeted Mike Caulfield, strategy engineer at Haas. F1 uses seven Boeing 747s to transport equipment. Each stable will load its freight in its own way, depending on its layout. So some parts may be missing here and others elsewhere.

Looks like the last two 747s, departing from Mexico and Miami, were delayed/cancelled due to weather. Unfortunately, this is the equipment that goes on all races and therefore essential cargo. You will see that the garages are set up but this is sea freight.

During a normal weekend, the cars are almost assembled on Wednesday evening after receiving the equipment on Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Starting to climb on a Thursday afternoon will result in a long night for everyone. Let's think of these stable members ».

The marquee is therefore not fully erected and contingency plans have already been put together here and there, in partnership with Liberty Media, which provides logistics services via its official partner DHL.

In all cases, the teams are preparing to experience a sleepless night between Thursday and Friday to ensure that everything is set up correctly.

Not really ideal when we arrive at the 19th round of a record 22 round calendar. Which makes you wonder if F1 hasn't had its eyes bigger than its stomach...