Benefits of Being Fit for F1 Drivers

F1 is a grueling sport.

Though a F1 race may only last for 2 hours, it can take its toll on the physical and mental strength of the drivers. Fitness, thus, plays a key role in differentiating drivers and helping them become successful on the F1 circuit. A F1 driver who is physically and mentally fit will have many advantages over his competitor.

Some of the key benefits of being fit as an F1 driver are as follows:

Better Chances of Success

A typical F1 driver has to endure lot of physical stress during the race. They can experience forces in excess of 5G which can be very demanding on the body. The arms and legs of the drivers also need to be strong to help them ride the stress and avoid developing cramps during driving. While many of us may not know, F1 drivers spend a lot of time getting themselves fit and race ready. Drivers who are extremely fit have much better chances of being successful and winning races and championships for their teams.

Greater Focus

In addition to the skills, a sharp brain and greater focus provides an edge to F1 drivers over their peers. Lewis Hamilton has odds of 1/12 of winning 2019 driver’s championship, primarily because of his better focus and mental agility over competitors. The brain of F1 drivers works at very high activity level during racing. Drivers need to undergo specific training to keep their mind calm and focused towards performing better in the race. The hard yards performed at the gym and training sessions help drivers to edge out competition and win races.

Reduced Injuries

F1 drivers are subjected to high risks due to the nature of their sport. They are prone to crashes and potentially fatal injuries. They need to be well trained and extremely fit to be at their best while driving. They need to cope up with many external factors at the same time while making quick decisions during driving. F1 drivers thus, need to undergo special training which helps them to perform better in their sport and also reduce chances of any major injuries. It helps to keep them safe and protected during actual racing.

Improved Reflexes

Reflexes are of prime importance for F1 drivers. They have to be physically and mentally prepared and agile for quick decision making. An average F1 driver has to make a decision in under 100 milliseconds. An average person takes 300 milliseconds to make decisions. A F1 driver has to have extremely sharp reflexes and be prepared to make quick decisions in response to sudden changes. They have to undergo special training which helps them remain fit and mentally alert for the racing situations. Drivers are made to develop their reflexes and decision-making abilities by using reaction boards. Lot of different lights are illuminated on the reaction board and the F1 drivers are asked to hit as many of them as they can. This helps to improve their reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and peripheral vision, which all play a critical role on the race day.