Formula One on Track: Adaptive Supply Chains in High-Stakes Environments

Abstract

The Formula One championship, with its succession of Grands Prix, provides a compelling case study of the interplay between sporting performance and global logistics, revealing an ecosystem in which even minor delays or disruptions in the supply chain can impact competition outcomes, safety, and the reputation of car manufacturers. Examining material flows and pre-positioning hubs underscores the operational complexity of a championship where air, sea, and road transport are carefully coordinated to ensure the timely availability and reliability of equipment across five continents. Logistics transcends mere material movement, functioning as a strategic lever for performance, resilience, and sustainability by integrating alternative fuels, multimodal transport, and real-time digital tracking technologies. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) positions the supply chain as a central instrument for coordination, operational optimization, and carbon footprint reduction, reconciling continuity with environmental responsibility. By combining insights from sport, hospitality, and logistics, this article offers an original framework for understanding how high-intensity events manage tensions, uncertainties, and extreme operational constraints.

Keywords: Formula One, Global logistics, Hub, Motorsports, Supply chain, Sustainability, Transport management

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/70-01

Publication date: June 30^th 2026