Nico Hulkenberg and Adrian Sutil in their race suits after the 2010 Singapore F1 GP

Being a race car driver is a profession many of us long to be and yet, only few actually achieve it. They let their vehicle do all the talking while they sip their champagne and enjoy the glory served unto them by millions of adoring fans around the world when their crew slaves over their warhorse, making sure that every part is in tune and is at peak performance. When we think of a race car driver, we think of the glamour and the prestige, often forgetting what it takes to get there.

First of all, let’s see what kind of obstacles hinder drivers on the track. Since the first Formula One race at the Silverstone circuit in the United Kingdom (UK), drivers have been overcoming tight hairpin corners, steep uphill and downhill sections and excessive bumps. They do all of the above while negotiating tracks at speeds as fast as 330 km/h and in cars with V-10 engines, exerting as much as 950 horsepower (BMW’s P38 engine). At such high speeds, drivers have to overcome sustained G-forces roughly three times their own weight (five times during turns), not to mention the fluid loss sitting in a cockpit with temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius. It is no wonder that the race car driver must have the physique of an Olympic athlete.

A typical race car driver has to be a master of his body. His trade involves all aspects of physical fitness, from cardiovascular fitness and strength to flexibility and quick reflexes. Many drivers have returned to the basic sports such as running, rowing, swimming and cycling to build up their fitness levels. Some drivers even utilize training methods similar to those used by military special ops!

To train for the Singapore Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg had to undergo two hour tennis sessions in a flameproof suit!

Despite the importance of physical fitness, it only takes up 40% to 50% of his training. Drivers have to be very alert as well, taking note of the on-board computers churning out lots of data and relaying them to the technical crew at the pit stop. Furthermore, drivers must have the concentration to negotiate the bends at high speeds. To do this, they usually practice several rounds on the track beforehand, to get a feel of each bend and slope. However, this method is expensive, costing tens of thousands per training session. Some have turned to technology to reduce such costs. Racing simulators help drivers to mentally prepare for the track they are about to engage, allowing them to build up their concentration and focus on the circuit. However, this method lacks the physical forces which can only be felt on the track itself. Therefore, in order to achieve an ideal level of fitness, a combination of both physical training and computer simulations is used.

Speaking of preparation, a good diet is as important as training. Drivers start days in advance by consuming more water than usual. This is to compensate for the several pounds of body weight loss by mere perspiration alone. Not to mention the fatigue, slower reactions and lower mental alertness that comes along with the dehydration. A diet rich in carbohydrates and proteins is absolutely essential. Drivers usually consume huge doses of energy bars, bananas and pasta before the race to give them the energy boost they need to take them from start to finish.

The training of a race car driver is no walk in the park. It is grueling, unforgiving and very demanding. So the next time you see him lifting up that trophy and popping open that champagne, do consider all the effort he took in reaching the podium, pushing his body to the max to achieve the glory and prestige.