How Formula One Ferraris and drivers jet around the world
The 2022 Formula One season kicked off on March 20 with the Bahrain Grand Prix. From March to November, the 10 competing teams will be racing against each other with 22 races taking place on six different continents.
And it is not only the cars that will be roaring. Wherever Formula One goes, a whole squadron of jets makes it possible for drivers, staff and media to keep up with the frenetic schedule of this popular motorsport.
Welcome to the world of the jet-setting F1 teams!
The close connection between aviation and Formula One is not surprising.
One of its most lauded drivers was Niki Lauda, who following a successful racing career, started no less than three different airlines in his native Austria: Lauda Air, Niki and LaudaMotion, with the the last one being acquired by Ryanair back in 2018.
It is also public knowledge that several top drivers have (or have had) their own jets. Just to name a few, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen have favored different versions of the tri-engined Dassault Falcon 900 jet, while Lewis Hamilton used to fly an eye-catching all-red Bombardier Challenger 605 until he sold it in 2019.
But even the drivers that don't have their own planes, are no strangers to the comforts of private jet travel. It is quite common for F1 racing teams to partner with executive jet operators to make sure their top drivers and managers move swiftly between racing engagements.
Related: How I Zoomed Across the US on a Private Jet, With Two F-15 Pilots
Take for example, one of the F1 top teams, Scuderia Ferrari, which has renewed its partnership with VistaJet, an executive jet operator.
There is no specific plane assigned to the racing team, but VistaJet operates a floating fleet model that allows it to assign the best aircraft out of the firm’s 80-strong Bombardier fleet to the mission of transporting drivers. The aircraft available range from the state-of-the-art ultra long range Global 7500, which is able to carry up to 19 passengers between any two points in the world, to the smaller Challenger 350 for up to 9 passengers.
The association between VistaJet and Ferrari, which has been in place for four years, is not coincidental. VistaJet’s founder, Thomas Flohr, has been racing competitively with Ferrari for many years and has personally taken part in races such as Le Mans 24 Hour and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Another venerable Italian brand whose F1 team also has a long-standing partnership with an executive jet operator is Alfa Romeo. In this case it is Austria-based Globeair that has been Alfa Romeo’s official partner since 2018.
McLaren has FAI Aviation Group (not to be mistaken with FIA, the international motorsports federation, the body that organizes Formula One) as its executive jet partner. This German operator has its own fleet, comprised of some 27 aircraft ranging from Bombardier Global Express jets to Hawker Beechcraft turboprops, and it not only flies active F1 personnel, former champion Mika Häkkinen has been acting as one of its brand ambassadors.
When talking Formula One and aviation, Red Bull deserves a mention and not just because the Austrian energy beverages brand claimed for many years to “give you wings.” The beverage company, which owns two Formula One teams — Red Bull Racing and Alpha Tauri — is also heavily invested in aeronautical activities, from running an acrobatics team to performing occasional stunts, such as Felix Baumgartner’s famous freefall from the stratosphere.
Red Bull even has its own aircraft fleet equivalent to the air force of a small nation state, the so-called Flying Bulls boast an eclectic collection of airplanes and helicopters.
What’s more, in 2020, Japanese firm Honda, which at the time was a major sponsor of Red Bull’s car racing endeavors, delivered an HA-420 HondaJet executive jet for the use of both Red Bull Racing and Alpha Tauri teams.
Related: Honda wants to build the first transcontinental light jet — and it’ll only need one pilot
The aeronautical connection doesn’t end there. In an interesting case of cross-industry knowledge transfer, Honda used technology from the HF120 engine, the same that powers the HondaJet, in the development of Red Bull’s racing cars.
What seems clear is that with each of the teams employing over a hundred people and many more traveling in other capacities, such as contractors, sponsors, members of the media and guests, executive jets are but a small part of the whole logistical apparatus that keeps the Formula One circus moving.
Commercial flights are also widely used, but the more than 1,400 tons of equipment that must be moved from one Grand Prix to the next require a solution.
Land transportation is often used within Europe, where pretty much all teams and half of the racing circuits are located, but with Formula One becoming a more global sport, the availability of dedicated long-haul air cargo capacity is essential.
The racing cars, perhaps the most valuable cargo of all, are broken down and shipped in parts, then completely reassembled on arrival. Only pace and safety cars are shipped whole and on racks. Other highly valuable equipment needed for the maintenance and operation of the cars is also shipped by air.
Related: The Boeing 777 turns 25: All about the new Boeing 777X
The Formula One organization has long entrusted its cargo operations to DHL, which nowadays uses mostly Boeing 777 freighter aircraft for this high stakes mission.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.