The physiological demands of formula 1 🏎️
Data from the fastest moving athletes in sport.
Physiological and health demands of Formula 1 motor racing: a comprehensive review with driver performance coach insight
Study Details
This review summarised evidence from 25 studies alongside structured interviews with three elite F1 Performance Coaches to better understand the physiological, neuromuscular and environmental demands of Formula 1 drivers 📚
Here are the key findings ⬇️
Key Findings
Driver Anthropometrics & Fitness🫀
📏 Height: 1.78 ± 0.07 m [1.59 – 1.86 m]
🎂 Age: 27 ± 7 years [19 – 43]
⚖️ Body mass: 69 ± 5 kg [54 – 78]
🫁 VO₂max: 62 ± 6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹
Neck Strength (Maximal Isometric) 📈
💪 Extension: ~49 kg
↔️ Side flexion: 39 kg
⬇️ Anterior flexion: 23 kg
Aerobic Capacity Requirement 🫁
😮💨 VO₂ requirement: > 39 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹
Thermal Strain 🥵
🌡️ Core temperature: +1.7 – 2.5°C
🔥 Skin temperature: +3.8 – 4.1°C
💧 Sweat loss: ~1 L·hr⁻¹
Heart Rate During Competition🫀
⏱️ Qualifying: 154 ± 29 bpm [123 – 198]
🏎️ Grand Prix: 146 ± 25 bpm [98 – 186]
🏁 Race: 148 – 163 bpm
Heat Stress Environment ☀️
🌡️ Track temperature: 35 ± 9°C [14 – 47°C]
🌬️ Air temperature: 24 ± 5°C [18 – 33°C]
💦 Relative humidity: 53 ± 13% [32 – 85%]
☀️ Moderate heat stress races: 6
🔥 High heat stress races: 1 (Singapore)
Brake Force Demand ⛔️
🦵 Maximum brake force: 600 – 1200 N
Conclusion
Formula 1 drivers demonstrate moderate aerobic fitness but highly specific neuromuscular and thermoregulatory demands, particularly substantial neck strength and significant heat strain 🏎️
Preparation in motorsport should prioritise sport specific strength, heat management and fatigue resistance rather than traditional endurance metrics alone 🎯
Reference
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2026/02/18/bjsports-2025-110977
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