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