By Michael E. Ugulini
The world of Formula 1 racing is one of intense pressure to perform. This pressure permeates throughout all levels of a team. Engineers, mechanics, team principals, team managers, driver trainers, and everyone in the pit crews, as well as logistics support feel this pressure. Of course, the drivers, in the hot seat, both literally and figuratively, feel the pressure more than anyone does.
What are the qualities that an excellent Formula 1 driver must possess? More than one characteristic makes up a premier driver. The best have a host of qualities that make it possible for them to perform at high-speed with focused, precision driving. Here are five I feel are vital to a Formula 1 driver's success:
1. Intense Powers of Concentration
Focusing on the driving at hand at all times, for quality results and safety reasons is essential to Formula 1 success. A momentary lapse in concentration can have unfortunate consequences. The best drivers train their minds to "wander not" so-to-speak, especially when they're far in the lead in the closing stages of a race. They understand being cognizant to all that's happening in front, beside, and behind them is crucial.
Think of it, while driving at high-speed, a driver must contend with weather conditions, radio transmissions from team management, a hot cockpit, G-forces, track surface conditions, and the other drivers whizzing around. Intense powers of concentration to the drive at hand are essential to Formula 1 success.
2. Staying in Optimum Physical Shape
The physical demands of driving a Formula 1 car are many. There are the aforementioned G-forces. These put a strain on the upper torso, the arms, and the neck muscles of a driver. The drivers must deal with dehydration as they often race in hot climates. Confined to tight cockpits, they find their racecar environments get extremely hot. Drivers lose body weight from sweating in these cockpits each race. Drivers need to have strong arm muscles to handle the rigors of car control during races.
3. Foresight
Drivers need to have a vision of what may develop in the race as it progresses. I think back to the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix. During the race, while in the lead, and with the race in its final stint, British driver Jenson Button got on the horn to his team to ask what the lap times were of the other cars on the track. He wanted to gauge his times and position against these cars.
Why was he so concerned? The reason was he didn't want to creep up on slower back markers and be caught in a "traffic jam" on the Monaco circuit. Knowing their times helped him adjust his speed, enough to stay in the lead, and enough to stay well away from those who could impede him significantly and cause trouble up ahead.
4. Knowing When to Go Slower and/or Move Over
Sometimes tactics and strategy must take precedence over speed during certain points in a race. Jenson Button's example as just stated in point three is an example. So is a case where a driver slows and lets another driver pass to avoid a brush up that could possibly put him out of the race.
As Ian Law stated in his "Better Driving" Column in the Toronto Star newspaper on January 9, 2010, "Even at the race track, it's not always the fastest driver who will be around at the finish to collect the accolades. There are times when slowing down is the smartest thing to do."
5. Knowing When to Go for Broke and Make the Right Move at the Right Time
This goes hand in hand with point four; sometimes a driver waits, but then pounces when the time is just right. An excellent Formula 1 driver knows when to take that on-the-edge calculated risk and go-for broke. Of course, he processes information quickly to make these decisions.
His experience and ability to assess situations accurately, combined with confidence in his abilities and knowledge of the track conditions and such assists in making these decisions. The thing is when it's time to make the move, they don't hesitate...they do it. A Formula 1 split-second decision is not for the faint-hearted.
No doubt, these are not the only qualities a dedicated Formula 1 driver must possess. However, these five are essential, and contribute greatly to practice, qualifying, and race day success. The world of Formula racing is a world where the world's best drivers must always be at the top of their game.
The world of Formula 1 racing is one of intense pressure to perform. This pressure permeates throughout all levels of a team. Engineers, mechanics, team principals, team managers, driver trainers, and everyone in the pit crews, as well as logistics support feel this pressure. Of course, the drivers, in the hot seat, both literally and figuratively, feel the pressure more than anyone does.
What are the qualities that an excellent Formula 1 driver must possess? More than one characteristic makes up a premier driver. The best have a host of qualities that make it possible for them to perform at high-speed with focused, precision driving. Here are five I feel are vital to a Formula 1 driver's success:
1. Intense Powers of Concentration
Focusing on the driving at hand at all times, for quality results and safety reasons is essential to Formula 1 success. A momentary lapse in concentration can have unfortunate consequences. The best drivers train their minds to "wander not" so-to-speak, especially when they're far in the lead in the closing stages of a race. They understand being cognizant to all that's happening in front, beside, and behind them is crucial.
Think of it, while driving at high-speed, a driver must contend with weather conditions, radio transmissions from team management, a hot cockpit, G-forces, track surface conditions, and the other drivers whizzing around. Intense powers of concentration to the drive at hand are essential to Formula 1 success.
2. Staying in Optimum Physical Shape
The physical demands of driving a Formula 1 car are many. There are the aforementioned G-forces. These put a strain on the upper torso, the arms, and the neck muscles of a driver. The drivers must deal with dehydration as they often race in hot climates. Confined to tight cockpits, they find their racecar environments get extremely hot. Drivers lose body weight from sweating in these cockpits each race. Drivers need to have strong arm muscles to handle the rigors of car control during races.
3. Foresight
Drivers need to have a vision of what may develop in the race as it progresses. I think back to the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix. During the race, while in the lead, and with the race in its final stint, British driver Jenson Button got on the horn to his team to ask what the lap times were of the other cars on the track. He wanted to gauge his times and position against these cars.
Why was he so concerned? The reason was he didn't want to creep up on slower back markers and be caught in a "traffic jam" on the Monaco circuit. Knowing their times helped him adjust his speed, enough to stay in the lead, and enough to stay well away from those who could impede him significantly and cause trouble up ahead.
4. Knowing When to Go Slower and/or Move Over
Sometimes tactics and strategy must take precedence over speed during certain points in a race. Jenson Button's example as just stated in point three is an example. So is a case where a driver slows and lets another driver pass to avoid a brush up that could possibly put him out of the race.
As Ian Law stated in his "Better Driving" Column in the Toronto Star newspaper on January 9, 2010, "Even at the race track, it's not always the fastest driver who will be around at the finish to collect the accolades. There are times when slowing down is the smartest thing to do."
5. Knowing When to Go for Broke and Make the Right Move at the Right Time
This goes hand in hand with point four; sometimes a driver waits, but then pounces when the time is just right. An excellent Formula 1 driver knows when to take that on-the-edge calculated risk and go-for broke. Of course, he processes information quickly to make these decisions.
His experience and ability to assess situations accurately, combined with confidence in his abilities and knowledge of the track conditions and such assists in making these decisions. The thing is when it's time to make the move, they don't hesitate...they do it. A Formula 1 split-second decision is not for the faint-hearted.
No doubt, these are not the only qualities a dedicated Formula 1 driver must possess. However, these five are essential, and contribute greatly to practice, qualifying, and race day success. The world of Formula racing is a world where the world's best drivers must always be at the top of their game.
Post a Comment