Jet lag remains one of the greatest challenges for Formula One drivers during long-haul flights for Grand Prix races. With a 10-hour time difference between Europe and Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, experienced F1 drivers like Valtteri Bottas admit jet lag can trigger sleep problems, mood changes, lack of focus, and other issues.
Coping Strategies for Jet Lag
To cope with jet lag effectively, F1 teams arrive up to five days ahead of the race to help drivers adjust to the time difference. Strategies to fight jet lag include shifting sleep schedules earlier, consuming caffeine, getting plenty of light exposure, and exercising.
Carlos Sainz is one F1 driver sharing his plan to combat jet lag ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. After traveling to Australia early for the race in previous years, Sainz admitted feeling “destroyed” by jet lag. This year he’s decided on a different approach.
Carlos Sainz’s Jet Lag Plan
Sainz initially planned staying awake for the entirety of his 21-hour journey to Australia. But it wasn’t easy as he fell asleep on his second flight. Though staying awake during his first trip left him merely feeling “destroyed,” he is still determined to try again.
This year, Sainz plans to stay awake all day in Melbourne upon arrival by engaging in golf or other physical activity like running or paddling. He also intends to get plenty of light exposure and eat healthily.
Finding Consistency Off-Track
Finding consistency off-track is crucial in Formula One because of its hectic nature. According to Bottas, some drivers enjoy jet lag because they get uninterrupted downtime. However, it’s worth noting that recovery from jet lag requires nutrition, hydration, stretching, and massage.
The Struggles of the 2023 F1 Season Schedule
Looking ahead to the 2023 F1 season schedule, there have been concerns about its environmental impact due to a 23-stop journey across various continents. After testing and two races in the Middle East, drivers would have returned to Europe for sim work. Carlos Sainz recently shared a glimpse of his travels by revealing his travel schedule for the Australian Grand Prix.
Sainz takes fans through his journey, which includes a seven-hour flight to Dubai and a 13-hour flight to Melbourne. Like always, his strategies include consuming caffeine and spending time in bright places while on board. Sainz also mentioned that he watched films during his previous flights. However, the two-hour stopover in Dubai surprisingly left him in a “zombie state.”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, jet lag is an ever-present challenge among Formula One drivers during long-haul flights to Grand Prix races. Experienced drivers like Sainz often come up with their plans to combat jet lag effectively. While some drivers enjoy the uninterrupted downtime it brings, off-track consistency and recovery are also critical to their success.
Formula One organizers should consider the impact of their schedules on drivers and crew as they continue pursuing their ambition of securing worldwide popularity for themselves.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
