by Nathan Hook

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 04, 2008

In the world of motorsport, Formula One is regarded as the pinnacle of open wheeled racing. Cars made from the most exotic space age materials, chiselled and refined from years of testing and the most stringent rules and regulations, scream around the world's more demanding tracks by arguably, the world's best drivers. What makes Formula One drivers the best in the world is the intense competition for a starting position. There may be only twenty-four full time starting positions and each year racing schools and feeder competitions, develop youngsters of exceptional talent vying for one of those lucrative and exclusive spots. In a sport where fractions of a second can be the difference between winning and losing and millions of dollars are spent on technical edges, having the best driver can be a decisive advantage.

One of the key ingredients which make Formula One drivers the best is the that in simple terms the sport demands it. From a standing start, cars can generally reach 240kph hour in under five seconds or less and reach speeds of up to 340kph on some tracks. Weighing less than half a Mini Cooper and capable of enormous levels of grip, many 90 degree bends can be taken at up to 60 miles an hour, while some tracks can produce four G's of force on the drivers body. Even lifting off the throttle produces one G of horizontal force, since there is no fly wheel, leaving all of the engines braking force available to the driver combined with some of the most incredible carbon fiber brakes. Drivers may leave their braking points to 100 meters or even 50 meters, depending on the entry speed to the corner, generating massive forces on the head, neck and shoulder muscles into the turn and then upon exit. It is little wonder that drivers are often compared to fighter pilots.

The physical demands require that F.1 drivers be extremely fit. Drivers such as Jacques Villenueve, who transitioned from the American equivalent of Indy Car racing, noted that the training he'd do for the American sport was not sufficient for the demands of F.1. A much higher level of individual fitness is needed for endurance and for strength, particularly in the area of the neck muscles which are under enormous loading throughout the race. Former world champion Damon hill had a mock car built in his home where weights were attached to a steering device, mimicking the strains needed to turn the wheel during the race as part of his training regimen. Even in the 1960's and 70's, former world champion

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