Formula 1 is more than just motor racing. It is an intense sport that requires physical and mental strength, pushing the drivers to the limits of human capability. F1, one of the most demanding sports in the world, combines incredible speed, very complex vehicle dynamics, and the unforgiving nature of high-speed pressure competition.
Competitors must meet all requests, navigating moments that can shift the tide of a car, like physical and technical requirements, and developing the stamina, strength, and mental fortitude to become a Formula 1 driver.
G-force in Formula 1: What F1 drivers experience on track
So, what G force do Formula 1 drivers experience? The most demanding part regarding F1 racing is the constant pressure of G-Force. In the world of physics, G force (gravitational force) is a measure of acceleration felt as weight.
Trained professional pilots who navigate fighter jets experience up to 9 G’s during training, while Formula 1 drivers are right behind, pulling 2 to 6 G’s when cornering, accelerating, or during braking.
To put things into perspective, a regular person lives at 1 G of force, which is the weight of their body. When the force is larger than 1, drivers experience tremendous pressure on the body, particularly affecting the neck, spine, and cardiovascular system.
In a recent interview, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton described what is it like to feel the G force in Formula 1.
“The G-Force that we pull when we drive…,”explained the seven time World Drivers’ Champion. “The thing’s like on rails, so when you’re doing 240 – 300 kilometres per hour and you turn, the thing turns and your body wants to go the opposite way, so you have to have really good core stability, you can’t be ‘big and bulky’.”
Eau Rouge at Circuit de Spa – Spa-Francorchamps is just one of the high-speed corners that drivers meet during the season, where they can produce up to 5 G’s, meaning a driver weighing 70 kilos feels as if they weigh 350 kilos. This dramatic increase in effective weight can cause serious physical strain, fatigue, and stress throughout a race.
How many G’s does an F1 car pull?
The power of G – Force that F1 drivers experience is overwhelming. On the course of a typical race, drivers are keen on encountering forces in various scenarios:
- Cornering
In sharp turns, where drivers tend to keep the speed as high as possible, they pull up to 5 G’s or more. Silverstone track is famous for the two most demanding corners Maggots and Becketts that demand incredible precision, strength, and endurance when driving.
- Braking
Under heavy and forced braking, drivers endure up to 5 G’s, which is almost the same as fighter pilots experience during high-speed manoeuvres. When braking suddenly, the driver’s body tends to push strongly forward which indicates this is one of the many reasons why they need to be strapped firmly to the seat.
- Acceleration
When launching from a standstill at the race start or after pit stops, drivers may feel 2 to 3 G’s. Also, when accelerating out of a corner, force is just as strong as it is when accelerating from a still position.
To put things into perspective, Formula 1 drivers experience more G-force than astronauts when they launch the rockets into space. This shows how demanding, difficult, and extreme this sport is. So, if you were wondering how many G’s does an F1 car pull, you are in for a treat.
The highest G-forces in F1 and their impact on drivers
Many cases of the highest G force in F1 have been noted. Drivers experiencing these forces were left with significant injuries and difficulties.
- Giedo van der Garde was one of many who pulled incredible force during impact, meaning he crashed at 70 G’s. This incident took place at the Australian Grand Prix in 2014 where the driver suffered significant injuries but still made a full recovery.
- Max Verstappen, the current Formula 1 Champion also had an unpleasant experience crashing at the force of 50 G’s at Silverstone in 2022. Luckily, he did not suffer any serious injuries and made a comeback by being the number one driver in the F1 in the 2022 season.
High-speed Parabolica at Monza or the infamous 130R at Suzuka are the most famous corners and demand extreme concentration, physical strength, and focus. These sections can cause extreme lateral G-forces that require unparalleled concentration and strength to pass them successfully.
The aftereffects of these forces can lead to a lack of concentration, fatigue, reduced coordination, and even loss of consciousness.
Adrenaline and risk: The common thread between F1 and casino gaming
One comparison that we can draw is between the world of Formula 1 and online casinos. Just like the drivers have to navigate quick turns and risks on track – casino players experience similar adrenaline when it comes to choosing the right option, whether to place a higher bet or to tap out.
Just like F1 drivers, avid casino players work on their reaction time and mental agility using almost the same simulator training, this way they practice quick grabbing of a bonus, while F1 drivers practice quick turns and overtakes.
Another way that connects Formula and casinos is that Formula 1 teams are often sponsored by gambling companies, and the collaboration has proven successful on both sides.
How F1 drivers prepare for race day
To be prepared for the extraordinary physical and mental demands of racing, F1 drivers undergo serious training regimes designed especially for them with a mix of targeted exercises.
These exercises mainly focus on cardiovascular training, strength, and endurance improvement. A training popular among all sports that mimics the burst of exertion experienced during races is high-intensity interval training (HIIT) which typically lasts from 15 seconds to 4 minutes.
Previously mentioned drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen take the training to the next level by incorporating a holistic approach, including nutrition, yoga, and meditation to maintain physical and mental strength.
At the same time, they tend to focus on strength and endurance training to improve their performance on track. This extra effort has resulted in seven Championship titles for Lewis Hamilton and three consecutive Championships won for Max Verstappen, while currently chasing his fourth.
Current F1 champion, Max Verstappen talks about his experience with F1 training and what he likes the least about it.
“Actual training? All of it! No, I think the worst is maybe interval training or something like that,” explained the Dutchman. “Interval running is doing repetitions of sprints. So, you need to do a 100-meter sprint six or eight times, or something like that. For me, that’s the worst of all, because sometimes it makes you feel a little bit sick.”
Just like physical training, mental strength, and preparation are equally as important. Formula 1 drivers engage in simulation races where they experience real-life racing which prepares them for all possible scenarios during the race and sharpens their focus and decision-making skills. This mental training helps them stay calm during the race since they already experienced it in the sim.
The importance of neck strength in Formula 1
Have you ever wondered why do Formula 1 drivers train their neck? One of the most significant physical challenges F1 drivers face is the strain on their neck muscles. Given the high G forces they endure, strong neck muscles are essential for drivers. F1 driver neck strength training and preparation are inevitable to maintain head control and ensure visibility.
Drivers undergo specific training that mimics the in-race experience by putting pressure on their necks. This training may include resistance training, where they use resistance bands or weights. Also, many drivers incorporate functional training that simulates the demands of racing, preparing them for the real race.
Reaction time and mental agility: Staying sharp at high speed
Reaction time and mental agility are some additional skills that are critical for success in Formula 1. Drivers are forced to make a 0.1-second decision that may cost them their life.
Simulator training has become a vital tool for many drivers, where their skills are put to the test without any risk while practicing scenarios in a controlled environment.
McLaren star and current title contender Lando Norris uses a specific approach to improve his reaction skills. By incorporating simulation and data analysis, he improves physical prowess and mental sharpness which sets him apart from his competitors in this area.
The technical skills: Mastering the car and the circuit
By mastering the particulars of the car and the circuit Formula 1 drivers completely prepare themselves for the race. Each circuit comes with its difficulties and challenges that drivers must adapt to and tailor their skills accordingly to the track. Fuel management, tire wear, and car setup are crucial and different elements that need to be considered for every race.
Behind the scenes, playing the crucial part in a show called Formula 1, are engineers who analyse data and optimize vehicle performance based on track conditions and specific driving styles. For example, the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has over 1000 engineers all over the world working on improving vehicle performances and tailoring them to the drivers.
Additionally, drivers must also fine-tune their knowledge and understanding of the racing lines, braking and accelerating points, pit-stop strategies, and many more. Mastering all these demands makes them better by day and improves their performance both on and off the race track.
Conclusion
Formula 1 is an extreme sport that rushes adrenaline through blood whether you are in the car driving or at home watching. Pushing human capabilities to the limit, the sport demands peak physical, mental, and technical performance from its drivers.
The journey from pressing the accelerator at the start to braking and stopping at the end comes with endurance tests, strategy, and exceptional skill. Formula 1 is one of the most challenging sports to exist, requiring resilience and determination from drivers racing on tracks to be the best.
