Angela Cullen and Lewis Hamilton shed light on...

Angela Cullen and Lewis Hamilton shed light on… Read More 👇

The idea that racing drivers have an easy job because they sit in a cockpit has long been debunked. Over the years, the physical demands of driving high-performance cars have escalated, requiring drivers to be among the most physically fit athletes globally. Formula 1 drivers, in particular, endure extreme physical and mental challenges, making well-rounded fitness routines essential for their success.

Angela Cullen, who previously served as the personal trainer for seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, now works with Marcus Armstrong in IndyCar. In a recent interview on IndyCar’s official YouTube channel, Cullen provided insight into the rigorous fitness programs that drivers maintain throughout the season.

“Their training remains quite consistent during the season,” Cullen explained. “Drivers have to prepare for the grueling demands of heavy races, and their training goals reflect that. However, training must be flexible to fit around their busy schedules. Typically, drivers train twice a day.”

Cullen described a typical training day, noting that Armstrong often does an hour of cardiovascular exercise followed by a weight session. “Some days, he might do two weight sessions,” she added. “In total, drivers usually spend about four hours training each day, focusing specifically on the physical demands of racing.”

While the current Formula 1 summer break might suggest a pause in the drivers’ intense routines, Cullen highlighted that the absence of racing actually provides an opportunity for more substantial training sessions. “The summer break is like a reset,” she said, “but it also allows drivers to engage in larger training sessions because they have more time to recover.”

Rest, recovery, and nutrition are the cornerstones of a driver’s training regime. Cullen emphasized that drivers must constantly balance how much they need to sleep, how much they need to train, and how they refuel their bodies. “As race weekends approach, drivers taper off their training, ensuring they are fully rested and have the energy required for both the mental and physical challenges of a race weekend. It’s a delicate balance,” she noted.

Lewis Hamilton echoed Cullen’s sentiments, stressing the importance of adapting one’s training and nutrition based on various factors, including the impact of time zones. “You definitely have to adapt continuously, and you learn to monitor your energy levels closely,” Hamilton told Esquire magazine.

For Hamilton, recovery is a significant part of his training routine. “It’s not just about going to the gym,” he said. “It’s about the whole 360-degree approach—how much you stretch, how much physiotherapy you do, and what you eat. These factors are constantly evolving, especially depending on how much energy you have and the time zones you find yourself in.”

The insights from Cullen and Hamilton reveal that the life of a top racing driver is far from easy. The physical and mental demands are immense, requiring a comprehensive and adaptable approach to fitness, nutrition, and recovery. Whether during the season or in a rare break, maintaining peak physical condition is an ongoing challenge that these athletes must meet to stay at the top of their game.