F1 drivers are notorious for their thick necks. “[They] have to be able to resist the pull of a long corner, or of the sudden shift from a long straight into a sharp turn,” Carroll says.
Sharp reflexes are also imperative (and potentially life-saving). Carroll encourages clients to play games like racket squash and padel, a hybrid of squash and tennis that “pushes reflexes”. Right before a race, he’ll have clients play a few rounds of a game like BlazePod, a digital device involving flashing lights that’s designed to hone one’s reflexes.
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One of the most astounding physical effects of a race is the dramatic weight loss that occurs – sometimes up to seven kilograms. “For drivers like Yuki who have a small build, they obviously won’t lose as much in terms of kilograms,” Carroll says, “but the percentage of body weight lost is up there.” The weight loss largely comes down to fluids – a loss that’s intensified in hot climates like the Middle East and Singapore – meaning hydration both pre and post race is incredibly important. The morning of race day, drivers typically attempt to consume around three litres of water. Post race rehydration involves more water, electrolytes and protein shakes.
Nutritionally, Carroll’s approach is simple. “Good quality carbohydrates, fats, and proteins,” he says. In the days leading up to the race, he’ll up clients’ carbohydrate intake. Good carbs like pasta and rice, he says, and no crazy carb loading. Consumption is distributed evenly over a few days.
Dream it, then be it
Mind coaching has only recently been embraced by the macho world of F1 racing. But between the pressure cooker of the racecourse, jet lag and public scrutiny, mental preparation is just as important as the physical, says Carroll.
Daniel Ricciardo’s performance coach Michael Italiano incorporates mindfulness exercises into their regular training which he shares on his public Instagram account.
British sports mind coach Don MacPherson, who has worked with drivers Damon Hill and Kazuki Nakajima, highlighted the importance of visualisation in the mental strategy of F1 drivers in a recent interview. He described the imagination as being your brain’s “satnav”, adding “it can drive you to your dreams and goals.”
And if all this physical and mental preparation fails to get a driver on the podium? A successful driver needs to have a resilient enough mindset to move on.
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Italiano’s “24-hour rule” – which he detailed on popular sports podcast Girls on the Grid – sums this up nicely. Ricciardo’s allowed to stew in his emotions for 24 hours, and then must channel them into a learning experience.
It’s simple yet effective advice – some even us non-F1 drivers would do well to heed.
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Fluid, carbs, reflex games: how a Formula One driver prepares for race day
Source: Philippines Alive
