The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has agreed a logistics and sustainability partnership with DHL.
Contract:
- DHL joins as the governing body’s official global logistics partner
- The company will deploy seven trucks for European logistics powered by sustainable fuel
Context:
While this is a partnership with the FIA, much of its focus appears to be on Formula One. In fact, delivering the series’ rationalised calendar is cited as a key reason behind the deal, with DHL helping to optimise the geographical flow of races. It is hoped this will support the FIA’s goal of halving its carbon footprint by 2030 compared to its 2019 baseline.
In truth, though, the move is also shaped by the FIA’s commercial ambitions. Formula One is motorsport’s financial powerhouse, so building strategic partnerships around the series makes sense. The FIA reported an operating profit of €4.7 million (US$5.3 million) in 2024, marking its strongest financial result in eight years. The governing body is now pursuing further growth as part of a broader strategic transformation.
As a nonprofit, the FIA can generate as much revenue as it likes, provided the funds are reinvested into its motorsport activities rather than distributed to shareholders. A financially self-sufficient governing body should ultimately benefit Formula One and the wider motorsport ecosystem.
Comment:
“This partnership with DHL is a great opportunity to collaborate not only on the vital behind-the-scenes work that goes on at any track event, but also to drive sustainable practices across our industry,” said Craig Edmondson, chief commercial officer of the FIA.
“Pushing for greater sustainability across both motor sport and mobility is a priority for the FIA, and we are constantly seeking to embed this ethos into our ways of working, including our relationships with commercial partners.”
Coming next:
The partnership could help bolster support for incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has made the FIA profitable for the first time in six years. The Emirati is seeking re-election in December and currently appears to be running unopposed. However, BBC Sport reports that Tim Mayer, who was sacked as a Formula One steward by Ben Sulayem last November, is expected to announce his candidacy on Friday.
Go deeper:
- FIA deputy president Robert Reid resigns as body’s former CEO laments ‘serious structural challenges’
- Carlos Sainz Sr drops out of contention for FIA presidency
The Mics Out podcast comes out every two weeks with all the latest news from the business world of motorsport. Check out more from the series here.