FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[Aviv Levy]

Hello,
1) Are there any simple methods to improve tolerance to g-force?
2) I saw in some places how F1 drivers practice for their fitness. On one exercise, I saw a F1 driver that tries to stand stable when he stands on one leg. What is the purpose of this exercise? Why is it important that F1 drivers could be able to stay steady when they are doing so?

Thank you,
Aviv

[Stephen]

You may find the following articles of interest, I'll leave it up to the regulars to answer your specific questions:

http://www.forumula1.com/2007/f1/f1-new ... e-fittest/
http://www.forumula1.com/2006/f1/featur ... r-fitness/
http://www.forumula1.com/2006/f1/featur ... coulthard/

[deMuRe]

I think the biggest difference in physical fitness training for F1 drivers is strengthening the neck for lateral g-force load. The rest is fairly similar to any athelete really. Good Cardio and good upper body strength seems to be the norm.

[darwin dali]

I think the biggest difference in physical fitness training for F1 drivers is strengthening the neck for lateral g-force load. The rest is fairly similar to any athelete really. Good Cardio and good upper body strength seems to be the norm.

Well, you might want to train that lead foot a bit

[Aviv Levy]

Hello,
Please notice that I asked specifically about g-tolerance and the reason for practicing on balance, and not about F1 fitness in generally.

Thanks,
Aviv

[racechick]

Standing on one leg is good for core stability, as is balancing on one of those big excercise balls. If you do lots of abdominal excercises eg situps, you strengthen the big abdominals but this can leave you with a pot belly. Core stability excercises tone up the smaller deaper muscles beneath the big abdominals. Maybe its to strengthen the drivers core ane prevent back ache from being in the same position for so long(a lot of them do get back injuries)Maybe they just dont want pot bellies

[bud]

racechick you must be abit of a gym freak huh

[Aviv Levy]

The exercise I'm talking about is on 1:24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL5pCs-1IJ8

Thanks,
Aviv

[texasmr2]

The exercise I'm talking about is on 1:24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL5pCs-1IJ8

Thanks,
Aviv

That's a cool video thank's! I'll try and offer alittle insight on the original question pertaining to g-force's, I say NO the physical conditioning of the driver has no bearing. The injuries related to high g-force accident's are brain related because the brain is actually 'floating' inside our skull's. The reason we now see only a very small percentage of head/neck injuries these day's in all form's of motorsport's can be attributed to the HANS device. Without the HANS device Kubica I have no doubt would have sustained a serious if not lethal head injury in Canada.

Gregg

[Stephen]

Here is another article which may be of interest to you in your search for information on fitness in F1:

http://www.forumula1.com/2008/f1/featur ... ess-in-f1/