Driving a Formula1 car demands a high-performance sportsman at the wheel.

Speed and G force (gravity force) reached by this Top Category cars as they speed up, brake and take the curves, obliges drivers to have a certain physical condition that let them compete to their 100% for an entire almost two-hour race.

The physical demands for competitors reach their maximum level in tests like Formula 1 Gran Premio de México, which registered the fastest top speed of world season, last year with 372.5 kph.

During present F1 vacation season, drivers are not able to disregard neither their physical conditioning programs nor their diet.

Training consists of morning and afternoon sessions at the gym, for five days a week, to work on their neck, spinal, legs, thighs, ankles, arms, forearms, wrists, thorax and abdomen.

For the present campaign, the physical conditioning has been more intense since preseason, given that cars are faster at the curves thanks to all aerodynamic changes and the use of wider tires.

 The centrifugal force experienced by drivers at the curves, which may be taken at almost 300 kph, reaching up to 5 G. Taking into account that the head’s weight reaches an estimated weight of 6kilograms with the helmet on, drivers are able to handle forces equivalent to 30 kg in a curve, and they do it thanks to the neck and back’s muscles.

Special exercises for racing drivers have been developed at the gym. One of them specially created for arms and shoulders, consisting in lifting a 5 kg weight with a width equivalent to a wheel to emulate the driving.

Cycling and Foot race are other really helpful exercises for racing drivers to strengthen their legs.

Their diet is another aspect that should be cared during vacation. Returning to the tracks with a couple of extra kilograms could be reflected in the stopwatch.

 A Formula 1 driver’s diet consists on a combination of carbs and high protein food which should be kept throughout the year.

 Hydration should also be considered within drivers’ priority list, which is why they must not drink coffee or alcoholic beverages exceedingly, for they are diuretic by nature.

During the competition, a F1 driver may lose up to three kilograms of weight and even more in races like Malayan’s, where burnout is greater because of the heat and the extreme humid climate.

Thus, while they enjoy of some well-deserved days off away from the stress lived on the tracks; Formula 1 drivers should care about their diet and health, to restart the season on the Spa-Francorchamps track in Belgium next August 27.