Motorsports

The Science of Motor Sports

Fitness Training

Being fit is very important to motor sports athletes. A poll on this site quite a while ago found that most people are very aware of the fitness requirements of motor sport drivers. They need to be both physically and mentally strong, and to use all sport science disciplines to maximize their performance.

Muscle Strength

Due to the high G-forces that the drivers have to deal with, they should have good neck muscle strength. Normally, the head and helmet weighs about 6 kg. With added G-forces when cornering, the neck has to support up to 30kg! To increase neck strength, you need to train your neck muscles using elastic bands to simulate the G-forces. Specific rowing and weightlifting exercises can also help strengthen the neck muscles. Other parts of the body that are under stress during racecar driving are the shoulders, back, arms and legs, and exercises for these should also be included in any strength training program. Over the course of a race, a F1 driver can potentially be pressing the brake pedal hundreds of times.

Cardiovascular fitness

Cardiovascular fitness is also important for race car drivers. During a race, the heart rate can be as high as 198 beats per minute, compared to a resting heart rate of 40-60 per minute. As well as plenty of practice laps, race car drivers do extra cardiovascular training such as running, swimming or cycling, to get the body into shape and maintain the appropriate level of fitness.

Psychology

Drivers have to be mentally strong - there is a lot of pressure that they have to cope with. They must intently concentrate throughout the race, and maintain motivation. Psychological techniques are used by drivers, such as special breathing techniques, distraction blocking techniques and mind control exercises.

Diet

Fluid

Inside a F1 race car, the temperature may rise up to 60 degrees centigrade and the humidity will also be high, and in these conditions drivers can lose 3-4 liters of body fluid during a race. This fluid should be continually replaced for optimal performance.

Food

Drivers should consume a diet high in carbohydrate to fuel their bodies throughout the race.