As my favourite sport is about to host its first street race in one of my favourite cities in the world, Las Vegas, I wanted to know what it would be like to Travel Like an F1 Team.
Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport and offers an electrifying and exhilarating world for frequent travellers to explore. It is a global extravaganza that takes teams, drivers, and fans on an unforgettable journey across continents. From the vibrant streets of Monaco to the high-speed circuits of Monza and Suzuka, Formula One races provide an unparalleled travel itinerary for everyone involved.
The fast-paced nature of the sport demands constant movement, with teams packing up their garages, equipment, and personnel, ready for the next race, sometimes just five days apart. A great example of this was this year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, May 30th, with the teams all present and ready to go just four days later, 6,871 miles away in Miami!
To cater to the demanding travel needs, Formula One teams rely on cutting-edge gadgets and equipment to ensure seamless journeys. Fortunately for them, most of these come in the form of sponsorship deals rather than out-of-pocket expenses.
But, if you do have a favourite team and want to travel just like they do, this is how to do it.
How to Travel Like an F1 Team
8. Scuderia AlphaTauri
One of the newest partnerships on the F1 Grid is between Scuderia AlphaTauri X Carl Friedrik, which took my 2022 Best Carry-On case and gave it a limited edition AlphaTauri colourway. The result is stunning!
7. McLaren
Sunglasses play a big role in F1, and McLaren has partnered with SunGods on a Limited Edition collection, including a Lando Norris X Silverstone special.
The TUMI and McLaren partnership has produced several iterations of luggage, and whilst my personal favourite was the 2022 Carbon series, this year’s 60th Anniversary Special is certainly a head-turner.
When they are away from home, the McLaren team stay at Hilton properties and has done so for the last 18 years and with 6,500 hotels located across 122 countries, there’s likely a property nearby to every circuit.
6. Mercedes AMG
The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott International, is the Official Hotel Partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and even provides the famous Ritz-Carlton hospitality at the team’s signature Silver Arrows Lounge at selected races.
An automotive brand such as Mercedes deserves an equally high-end laptop, and there are few as prestigious as the new MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport A13V. This machine was built for the AMG Motorsport division of Mercedes, yet signifies everything its Silver Arrows F1 team represents.
5. Aston Martin
One of the biggest success stories of the 2023 season so far is that of Aston Martin, who is currently 4th in the constructors championship and has two-time world champion Fernando Alonso sitting in 3rd in the drivers championship.
The AMF1 team has a partnership with Globe-Trotter for the AMF1 Carry-On 4 Wheels but also the desirable and very limited edition AMR23 version of the same case. Limited to only 50 pieces.
Due to his past and current successes, lead driver Alonso has many brand tie-ins, including his recent personalised Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore portable speaker.
4. BWT ALPINE
As the BWT Alpine team and its drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, sit at mid-table in both the Constructors & Drivers championships, it’s a good time to remind anyone who might be venturing to Vegas for their first time during the F1 that Center Strip is best.
And, no, you can’t just walk there!
Just off-center is one of my favourite hotels globally, The Venetian. In March ’23, BWT Alpine F1 and The Venetian® Resort announced a partnership as the team’s official Casino partner and will be offering guests and fans exclusive experiences and activities during the lead-up to the race weekend.
3. Ferrari
The oldest and most successful F1 team is that of the famous Prancing Horse, better known as Ferrari. With sixteen world Constructor Championships, it’s no surprise that the Italian Supercar maker has some of the most limited and desirable technology.
Made from the same material used in its high-performance race cars, the Carbon Fiber makes the Ray-Ban RB8395M Scuderia Ferrari Collection a must-have for die-hard fans.
Experience the perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology and exquisite craftsmanship with the ultra-premium B&O BEOPLAY H95 Ferrari Edition headphones in Ferrari’s signature red hue. These headphones are a testament to the artistry of engineers and artists, providing a sensory delight thanks to the titanium drivers.
Limited to only 150 pieces, you’ll not want a Smartwatch if you have upwards of $1.6m burning a hole in your pocket, and you can find one of the Richard Mille Calibre RMUP-01 Ultraflat Ferrari wristwatches.
2. Red Bull Racing
Oracle Red Bull Racing are leading the Constructors and Drivers Championships as the Formula One teams arrive in Las Vegas (and I’ve written that two months before they arrive!) such is the team’s recent dominance of the sport.
Built For Athletes provides the team with luggage and has a 14-piece collection, including the Championship bundle comprising a Shoulder Bag, a 35L Cabin Backpack and a Redbull Carry-On Pilot Case.
F1 seems to be no place for smartwatches as Red Bull racing also ppts for a more traditional timepiece in the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Special Edition. a dynamic chronograph that combines sporty aesthetics with a unique design.
1. Formula 1
It’s not just the teams who rely on sturdy luggage and technology strong enough to last c.100k flown miles every single season, but the governing body, TV crews and sports officials all do the same mileage.
Formula 1 relies on Lenovo’s extensive selection of premium hardware as well as innovative next-generation technology, such as augmented and virtual reality. Whilst none of us will be travelling with a Lenovo machine capable of running an F1 race, many of the teams and officials trust Lenovo ThinkPads as their laptop of choice.
