On a recent episode of the popular talk show, The Graham Norton Show, Formula One racing star Lewis Hamilton discussed the intense weight loss he goes through during the demanding racing season. The conversation shed light on just how physically and mentally challenging the sport can be.
Hamilton explained that in Formula One, weight plays a crucial role in the performance of the car. Every aspect of the car is optimized to reduce weight, from the design of the steering wheel to the driver’s suit, boots, and helmet. Hamilton even mentioned that he had a hands-on role in redesigning the steering wheel, ensuring that it met his specific requirements.
But why is weight so important in racing? Hamilton revealed that even a kilo of extra weight can cost him up to two seconds in a race distance. To maintain optimal performance, he goes through intense weight loss, losing up to four kilos during a race that lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The combination of the high temperatures inside the car and the physical demands of the sport results in significant weight loss.
Hamilton also mentioned the high-tech nature of the Formula One cars, but surprisingly, not all of the buttons inside the car operate air conditioning. It turns out that air conditioning is sacrificed to reduce weight. Despite the extreme heat and physical exertion, air conditioning is not considered a necessity in the pursuit of maximum performance.
The conversation delved deeper into the physical demands of Formula One racing. Hamilton explained that the g-force experienced by drivers can be up to six times their body weight. The incredible forces at play during high-speed turns require drivers to have exceptional core stability. Being big and bulky is not an option, as it would negatively impact performance.
Interestingly, Hamilton mentioned that his driving weight has to be carefully managed throughout the racing season. At the beginning of the year, the car is built to a certain weight, and he is asked to be slightly lighter than normal. As the year progresses, the car undergoes a weight-saving process, and components may be removed if the car is overweight. This process ensures that the car remains nimble and competitive throughout the season.
Lewis Hamilton‘s interview on The Graham Norton Show provided an intriguing glimpse into the world of Formula One racing. It highlighted the extreme measures drivers like Hamilton take to optimize their performance, including enduring intense weight loss and sacrificing creature comforts like air conditioning. The physical and mental challenges of the sport were also put into perspective, with the immense g-forces experienced by drivers. Formula One truly pushes the boundaries of what humans are capable of, and Lewis Hamilton is a testament to the dedication and determination required to succeed in this demanding and exhilarating sport.
