By Abigail Batey*

Driving a Formula 1 car at 370km/h requires more than courage—it demands a body trained like an astronaut’s and a mind sharper than a fighter pilot’s. Behind every race and driver is an intense training schedule powered and created by cutting-edge technology to ensure the drivers are physically, mentally, and technically prepared for the demands of the season.

MIT senior lecturer working in Formula 1 said: “Formula 1 – as a sport and a business – is a fascinating case study to understand the implications of major technological shifts.

For example, we are continuing to negotiate how humans and machines collaborate, how machines augment the work of humans and how humans best deploy machines for specific tasks. The relationship between the driver and the car, which is a highly sophisticated digital system, is one place to study human-machine collaboration.”

On the commercial side of F1, the sport is building new digital platforms and experiences from scratch to exceed the expectations of today’s sports fans, and there is much other companies can learn about digital transformation from studying their journey.”

Simulators and Performance Monitoring

Since the early 2000s, modern F1 teams have invested heavily in driver simulators, which provide an ultra-realistic racing environment. The high-tech systems replicate real-world track conditions, enabling drivers to improve their braking techniques, optimise cornering speeds, and learn how to manage tyre degradation for the race before they arrive at the circuit.

The simulators are equipped with full-motion platforms that recreate the forces experienced during a race weekend. These systems provide instant feedback, helping the drivers adapt their techniques and improve car control. Advanced AI models simulate shifting track conditions and rival strategies, allowing drivers to have different forms of extensive preparation.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has spent hours on the simulator, which has been a key aspect of his success in the sport. He said, “I told [Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko] I want to install a simulator in my motorhome so I can keep driving at night. It’s my hobby, and it also keeps me sharp.”

Some teams include virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance the experience and immerse drivers into dynamic race scenarios. VR allows for greater awareness and a heightened sense of realism, enabling the drivers to improve their reactions and develop race strategies in a controlled setting.

It’s not just drivers who use the impressive technology but the engineers who benefit from the ground-breaking tech systems. The team uses simulator data to analyse the driver’s braking efficiency, throttle application, and steering input, ensuring the drivers maintain peak physical conditions throughout the season.

Physical Conditioning and Reaction Training

The biggest challenge F1 drivers face is the extreme g-forces they experience during a race. During a race, the drivers experience 5-6Gs in a corner and have to tolerate the load for four seconds at a time, so it’s essential to build up the muscles used. This involves hanging weights from their necks and a trainer pulling on a resistance band to simulate lateral forces.

Reaction time is another crucial aspect of training. Drivers use light-based reflex training systems like Batak walls and reaction boards to sharpen their reflexes. These tools improve hand-eye coordination, awareness, and split-second decision-making, vital skills when navigating tight racing battles.

Nutritional Science

Technology and AI are used to train drivers in physicality and to plan their nutrition. AI-driven metabolic analysis guides personalised food plans to ensure drivers maintain their optimal energy levels and have a carbohydrate-led meal plan. Most drivers wear health monitors, such as watches and biometric gloves with sensors, to track their vital signs, including heart rate, electrolyte balance, and blood oxygen levels.

In addition, teams use climate-controlled chambers to simulate extreme race conditions to prepare the drivers. Whether preparing for the scorching heat of Bahrain or the humidity of Singapore and Qatar, the drivers must train in environments that mirror real race-day temperatures to allow their bodies to adapt in advance.

Looking Ahead

As F1 continues to embrace the ever-evolving technology, driver training will also become more advanced. From AI-driven simulators to biometric tracking, the sport’s relentless pursuit of performance extends far beyond the racetrack, shaping the future of driver preparation.

2025 Formula 1 Season Calendar

*Abigail Batey is a third-year university student studying Sports Journalism at Solent University. She has a strong passion for sports media and enjoys combining her journalistic skills with her enthusiasm for sports to inform and create content and articles.