The Circus

The typical F1 spectator may not know that FIA 's Formula One World Championship is also known to its die-hard fans or insiders as "the circus". For one, what transpires before, during and after the race, along with the manner in which it is led, has the underpinnings of a 19th century circus, with ringmaster and all. Another reason why this nickname is so appropriate is that most equipment used for staging a F1 race is hauled from race to race. This herculean task, logistically speaking, is performed seamlessly some 20 times a year and relies heavily on the industry leaders to make it all happen.

While in Europe, where the eleven teams are based, the teams handle their own transport. But when they leave the continent for, lets say last weekend's race in Austin, Texas, they charter at least 6 large jumbo jets and hundreds of sea crates to have everything needed to run the circus.

Mr. Jerome Cijntje, a pilot with Singapore Airlines and a childhood friend send me these photos. He took them as they were hired to pickup part of the F1 cargo in Austin, Texas, earlier this week and transport them to the next race in Brazil. Campinas to be exact.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit: Jerome Cijntje