The Physical Nature of Formula 1 Racing

The Physical Nature of Formula 1 Racing By Susan Czyzo (Bachelor of Physical Education and Health, Master of Science in Physical Therapy) Consider the accuracy of the following statement: Formula 1 (F1) race car drivers are highly-conditioned athletes. True or false? Physiological measures reported within recent research certainly suggest that this is indeed an accurate label. A University of Miami Medical School study (2002) measured oxygen uptake during preseason road course testing as well as during a separate maximal exercise test. The results revealed values equivalent to 9-13 times resting energy expenditure, values comparable to those found in basketball and soccer players. F1 race car drivers operate in a very confined space, at speeds reaching beyond 300 km/h, in temperatures of 40+ degrees Celsius all while executing an extremely risky task. They require superb hand-eye coordination, immense muscular strength to withstand high levels of G-force and heavy steering, as well as a highly efficient cardiovascular system to endure the physical and psychological exertion involved. Additionally, maintaining a stable position within the vehicle is essential and requires co-activation of numerous muscular groups in the neck, trunk and upper and lower extremities. Each of these aspects of F1 driving requires highly-trained muscular effort, carefully coordinated and sustained over a continuous period of 2 hours. Just thinking about it may bring about exhaustion. Physical Impact The impact of race car driving on the spine is uncertain. In early research (1982), the results of a verbal questionnaire showed that Grand Prix drivers experienced a greater incidence of spinal (cervical and lumbar) symptoms compared with ordinary drivers. The following year, a reduction in stiffness suspension in Grand Prix cars coincided with a decrease in the severity and incidence of back pain, suggesting a link between mechanical shock, vibration and back pain. More recently (2000), the effect of driving on spinal pathology has been investigated in rally drivers, whose exposure to vibration is deemed high from driving on poor quality roads and tackling jumps while sitting on un-cushioned seats. These conditions did not appear to have any significant effects on disc pathology as measured with MRI. Despite a small sample size, one can cautiously assume that a similar result would be found in F1 drivers given their more favourable driving conditions and lack of jumps. Another area of a F1 driver’s body hypothesized to endure a large amount of impact is the wrist. Masmejean et al (1999) investigated symptoms in this area in 22 F1 drivers. Sixty-four percent of drivers reported symptoms including bilateral finger paraesthesia, scapholunate pain, effort-induced carpal (CTS) and cubital tunnel syndromes, and typical CTS. Fitness Training Cardiovascular (CV) fitness training is crucial to minimize driver fatigue and hence potentially fatal lapses in concentration. Running, swimming and cycling are popular ways that drivers maintain their CV fitness in the off-season. Strength-training is also a key component of a driver’s fitness routine. Being mindful of weight-gain to maintain their weight category, drivers will target the muscles of their neck, shoulders and chest to prepare for the demands of G-forces and heavy steering. In order to withstand the G-forces during cornering, for example, the neck must be able to support approximately 5 times the weight it’s used to. Core-strengthening is also vital in preparation for racing season. An efficient core will aid the driver with maintaining a stable position when cornering, which can decrease the load experienced by the neck muscles. Regular Pilates training is one way that drivers build a strong core. Strength training and race preparation often also involve specific machines that can most closely mimic the physical demands of a race. References Burton, A. K. (1983). Back pain in Grand Prix drivers. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 17, 150. Retrieved from http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/17/4/150.full.pdf+html Burton, A. K., & Sandover J. (1987). Back pain in Grand Prix drivers: A found experiment. Applied Ergonomics, 18, 3-8. Jacobs, P. L., Olvey, S. E., Johnson, B. M., & Cohn, K. A. (2002). Physiological responses to high-speed, open-wheel racecar driving. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(12) 2085-90. Masmejean, E. H., Chavane, H., Chantegret, A., Issermann, J., & Alnot, J-Y. (1999). The wrist of the formula 1 driver. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 33, 270-3. Retrieved from http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/33/4/270.full.pdf+html Videman, T., Simonen J –P., Usenius, K., Osterman, K., & Battie, M. C. (2000). The long-term effects of rally driving on spinal pathology. Clinical Biomechanics, 15, 83-6.