What Does an F1 Driver Do Between Races?

A racetrack might be the natural habitat of a Formula One driver, but making the most of the time away from the asphalt is also crucial when it comes to maximising performance.

From debriefs and data digging, partner days and downtime, there's no time to take your foot off the pedal.

We spoke to George to find out everything he gets up to between Grand Prix weekends.

"The racetrack is the tip of the iceberg, the work that goes on at the factory is so vitally important. That's where everyone is aware of the car's performance," he explains.

There's no gentle ease into the week. Drivers will often head straight back into the Simulator, not to look ahead to the next race, but to go back over the previous weekend and see what did and didn't correlate between the virtual and real world.

It's a schedule that doesn't always agree with a driver's sleeping pattern, either.

"Take Australia as an example," says George. "I landed back in London at midnight But I'll stay on a more Eastern time schedule, rather than shift back to GMT and then do nine hours to Japan in a couple of weeks."

Win or lose, the best time to debrief will always be as soon after the event as possible. Sitting down with the team and talking about what could have gone better, and how to ensure things will be different at future races is the priority.

It's not all about screens, numbers, and data. It's a chance to come together and bounce thoughts and ideas off of a wide range of team members, be that the latest developments in the wind tunnel or an honest discussion with an engineer.

"We'll always sit down and have breakfast and lunch together," George adds.

Data analysis can take a few days to be completed. When it has - usually around Wednesday/Thursday post-race weekend - there's a deep dive to be done. This is a full-blown catch-up, that allows a driver to truly digest the numerical facts and figures behind race performance.

Formula One is a constant development. Dwelling too long on the past isn't an option, and it's important to know as soon as possible what you're looking to try at the next event.

But building a picture of what to try at the next race often starts *during* the race before. Drivers are so in tune with being on a racetrack that they may notice a performance trend at one circuit that will work well at another.

"You may have just completed a Quali lap somewhere, and you realise that what you have learned might be good to try at race later in the year," reveals George.

"In the world we live in, eyes are always forward."

In between, the physical exertion doesn't relent. A driver will mix between gym sessions at home or at the factory. And it's not light work.

"I'll usually do a double session every day when I get home, right up until the Monday of the next race week. From that point of view the week goes by pretty quickly," says George.

More often than not, there may be some time on set behind a camera, carrying out important filming or marketing days with our partners.

And what about downtime?

Switching off while the engines are off is so important. Disconnecting from the world is a crucial part of a high-profiles athlete's itinerary.

Whether it's a walk, or just a catch-up with friends or family, the importance of stepping outside that motorsport bubble for just a few moments cannot be underestimated.

By now we're back into a race week. Prep done, the adrenaline and anticipation of racing is slowly building.

A return to the racetrack beckons, and a Formula One driver can feel truly at home once more.

In the world we live in, eyes are always forward.

George

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