Although the physical strain on Formula 1 drivers has decreased due to the new rules, the mental strain is greater due to the complexity
This year’s Formula 1 cars have become somewhat slower due to the new regulations, which has reduced the physical strain on the drivers compared to previous years. Former driver Martin Brundle is convinced that the mental strain in particular is now becoming a bigger problem.
“I don’t know if the spectators notice it, but every driver who comes to us is completely exhausted,” said the Briton during the race analysis of the Japanese Grand Prix on F1 TV. “They have worked hard. You can see it in their faces. They’ve really given everything.“
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve also confirms this impression: ”It’s not the physical strain, it’s the mental strain,” adds the Canadian. “It’s the mental exhaustion from all the energy and concentration they need for this, because the cars are not as fast as they were last year.”
“So it’s not the physical strain, but the mental strain.” And there is a reason for this: the new Formula 1 cars have become significantly more complex. The drivers have to master energy management, overtake and boost mode as well as numerous other systems and changes.
Damon Hill jokes: “It was child’s play back then”
A comparison with previous years is hardly possible. “No, because it was child’s play back then,” laughs Damon Hill, but admits that the tasks are much more extensive today: “I spoke to Jacques about it this morning and they really do have an incredible amount to think about.”
“It’s like patting your head, rubbing your stomach and juggling and trying to solve an equation of mass all at the same time,” jokes Hill. “I mean, it really is like that … You have to operate so many buttons and functions.“
Liam Lawson also admitted to F1 TV after the Japanese Grand Prix that he was ”mentally exhausted”. “It’s very intense this year,” recalls the Racing Bulls driver. “You have to think about a lot more when you’re driving. So it was actually a pretty tough race.”