How to drive an F1 car (and why Suzuka is such a challenge) with Pedro de la Rosa
Apr 3, 2025
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Pedro de la Rosa, a former Formula 1 racer and Aston Martin ambassador, shares his expertise in mastering the intricate Suzuka racetrack, a real test of driver skill. He discusses the significance of precision, adaptability, and instinct while tackling high-speed corners. De la Rosa explains techniques like hitting the apex, the importance of tire management, and how drivers use bodily sensations for feedback. He emphasizes the blend of practiced ability and natural talent, painting a vivid picture of the artistry in F1 driving.
Driving at Suzuka demands extraordinary precision and confidence as even minor mistakes can lead to significant consequences.
F1 drivers develop their skills through a combination of instinct, technique, and extensive practice, enabling real-time car dynamics evaluation.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Suzuka
Suzuka presents itself as one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula One calendar, characterized by its tight corners, high speeds, and challenging layout. Drivers often reach speeds of up to 190 miles per hour while navigating the track, which has one of the largest braking zones of the season. The closeness of grass and gravel to the track only heightens the stakes, as even a slight mistake can lead to serious consequences, including crashes. Suzuka not only tests a driver's speed but also their precision and confidence, making it a revered venue among drivers.
Driver Skills and Instincts
Formula One drivers exhibit extraordinary skill, characterized by their ability to intuitively gauge car dynamics in real-time while driving at high speeds. The feeling of grip, which allows drivers to accurately determine the speed at which they can enter corners, is often described as a sixth sense that develops through extensive practice and experience. Moreover, modern drivers benefit from training on simulators from an early age, allowing them to develop essential skills before they even step into a real car. This combination of instinct, technique, and experience is what sets top drivers apart from the rest.
Coordinate Actions Under Pressure
An F1 driver's ability to synchronize their hands, feet, and eyes is critical for navigating a track effectively at high speeds. Initially, drivers may consciously count their downshifts when approaching a corner, but with practice, this coordination becomes instinctual. This adaptability allows them to handle the dynamic conditions of the race, such as tire degradation and fuel load changes, without losing focus. The best drivers are those who can react to rapidly changing conditions without overthinking their movements, thereby achieving peak performance.
The Role of Tire Management
Effective tire management is crucial in modern Formula One racing, as maintaining tires within an optimal temperature range can significantly affect lap times. Drivers need to be aware of their tires' temperature while also listening to instructions from their team regarding performance targets. Managing heat levels is a fine balance; pushing too hard can lead to overheating and a decrease in grip, affecting overall performance. Drivers must also exhibit strategic thinking, adjusting their driving style based on the tire conditions to ensure they maximize grip while minimizing wear throughout their race.
190 mile per hour corners. Heavy braking zones. Twists and turns with no room for error. Suzuka, home of the Japanese Grand Prix, tests Formula 1 drivers' skills to the limit. But what are those skills? What are the 20 drivers actually doing with their hands, their feet, and their eyes, which allows them to drive so fast?
Former F1 racer and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa answers your questions on the incredible abilities of F1 drivers. He tells Christian Hewgill how they hit corner apexes perfectly, brake and accelerate precisely and how they develop their racing instincts.
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