The drivers on the current F1 grid are extraordinary physical athletes, as well as possessing a natural talent for speed.
On the track, drivers travel at supersonic speeds and do so wrapped in heavy suits that protect their bodies in the event of a fire. The modern technologies have made life on board single-seaters much safer, but the risks are still high. To face the largest calendar in the history of F1 requires courage and a willingness to sacrifice.
On social media or through the transposed reality of TV series such as Drive to Survive, the best sides of the routine of an F1 driver emerge. Their life seems fairytale, surrounded by luxury, beautiful women and sports cars. To reach the highest levels, however, important sacrifices must be made. Since they were children, pilots have been forced into a stressful regime. National and international trips, events where it is not permissible to fail cause significant stress.
They have to do a lot of sporting activities associated with track training. They undergo heavy workouts in the gym to strengthen certain muscle groups. They swim, run, cycle to subject their arms and legs to constant stress. The neck area is the most delicate because it has to withstand peaks of 5-6 lateral Gs in the fastest turns. A driver must also be ready to suffer heavy decelerations in the event of accidents.
Impacts against runway barriers would cause very serious consequences for mere mortals. The cockpits of F1 cars are extremely safe but the fractures suffered by the drivers would be higher if they were not adequately prepared to face crashes. Formula 1 is not a discipline suitable for everyone.
Only the best manage to get to the top and stay there for many years. Just look at the longevity of Fernando Alonso who, at over 40 years old, retains an Olympic physicality. To do this, targeted nutrition is needed. In addition to personal trainers, physiotherapists and, sometimes, psychologists, the life of an F1 driver is also marked by meetings with nutritionists.
Here’s what F1 drivers eat
The physique of some riders has changed a lot over the years. There was a time when people arrived in F1 with heavier structures and there was no shortage of smokers and alcohol abuse. The game-changers were two extraordinary performers of the circus, namely Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. They were the first to treat their body like a temple, focusing on mixed training and careful nutrition all year round. In fact, preparation is not limited only to race weekends, but it covers all the months of the calendar.
In a GP that lasts over an hour and a half, the lunch eaten before the traffic lights go out must be rather light and digestible, and is based on brown rice, soya and vegetables. Alongside food there is a need for special drinks, such as tea, especially green tea, or coffee. During the races the drivers can drink from a special tank with a straw inserted into the helmet. After the races, however, they eat biscuits
Often, after the races, we eat biscuits with jam, but above all, the lost liters are replenished with drinks rich in mineral salts. There are events in the World Championship where several kg are lost due to the high temperatures and high humidity levels. To avoid fainting, the pilots are immediately welcomed with water bottles ready for complete rehydration.
