F1 and F3 trainer shares the tough physical and mental work drivers go through before each race ahead of the British GP
Top-level single-seater racing, like Formula 1, is unlike any other sport when it comes to physical and mental fitness. Drivers need to follow very specific training routines all year long. For example, when F1 drivers brake hard, they feel up to six times their own body weight pressing down on them. So, if a driver weighs 60kg, they’re dealing with a force similar to 360kg on their body! This means their neck muscles are incredibly important because an average person’s neck couldn’t handle that kind of pressure for long.
Drivers also train to survive even bigger forces, like in crashes. In 2007, BMW’s Robert Kubica survived a massive 75G crash and only missed one race after. But getting ready for racing isn’t just about physical strength — the mental side is just as important.
Ben Jacobs, a driver coach who’s worked with drivers like Logan Sargeant and now trains F3 star James Wharton, explains that every driver has different challenges. He says the neck and upper body are key areas to work on, but the lower body also plays a big role because the lower back takes a lot of strain in the car. Recovery is just as important as training.
This week, F3 races at Silverstone, a track known for its fast corners that really test a driver’s skill and fitness. Wharton finished 10th in the sprint race and will start 9th in the feature race on Sunday. Jacobs believes Silverstone is one of the best tracks for drivers because of its high-speed corners, calling it a “driver’s track.”
As the season goes on, managing tiredness becomes more important. Especially in the first few corners, quick reactions can make all the difference between crashing out or finishing well. Jacobs stresses that preparation is everything — from studying the track and working with engineers to getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.
Drivers also use mental techniques like visualization to get ready, imagining each corner and braking point. Jacobs notes that young drivers have impressive reaction speeds, and he trains them by putting their minds under fatigue, so they learn to focus even when tired. Activities like racquet sports, including padel, help with this.
Jacobs says what often surprises people about racing driver training is how tough the sport is mentally. Drivers face huge pressure, especially young ones starting out, and it takes a strong mindset to handle it all. Combining the physical demands with mental focus and the pressure of racing at high speeds is truly impressive — especially considering how young many of these drivers are.