MANAGING BACK-TO-BACK FORMULA 1 RACES DURING THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC
When much of the travel industry ground to a halt in 2020, there was only a brief pause before demand for our services reappeared. As the leading travel management company for the elite sports industry, our services were crucial to ensure events could go ahead. Athletes, teams, support staff and stakeholders had to get places. And they had to get there safely, on schedule and ready to perform at their best. All in the middle of a global pandemic.
This approach was imperative when Formula 1, our client for over 40 years, returned in 2020. Our expertise in managing charter flights was in high demand and we were transporting passengers on unusual flight paths, and all on a tight schedule.
The numbers
DRIVERS, TEAMS AND MEDIA FROM ONE RACE TO ANOTHER IN ONE DAY
CHARTERS IN 10 HOURS
HOURS TO REPURPOSE A DISUSED MILITARY AIRPORT
The Challenge
While disruption for many travellers is an unwanted inconvenience, for those we work with it can be disastrous and costly. Due to the pandemic, cancellations, changes and delays were unprecedented, and travel restrictions varied regionally and globally. New ways of working and an innovative, agile approach to travel management were needed to navigate these challenges.
Twenty-two Grands Prix were originally scheduled for the Formula 1 2020 World Championship. However, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in numerous race cancellations and postponements. A rescheduled calendar consisted of seventeen Grands Prix, with the last two races taking place in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
The Travel Places team were tasked with getting 1294 drivers, teams and media from one race to another in just one day. A challenge all the more complex due to the strict ‘biosphere’ lockdown in operation in Abu Dhabi.
The Result
As a result of the work from the Travel Places team on the ground in both Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, all 1294 Formula 1 personnel arrived In Abu Dhabi ready to perform ahead of the season finale. The key to long-term success is how we deliver in a crisis, and we’re hugely proud to have delivered first class performances for our clients on this occasion and throughout the global pandemic.
