F1 Explains: brain training for F1 drivers - with an expert coach

F1 Explains: brain training for F1 drivers - with an expert coach

From F1 Nation by Formula 1

May 28, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

This episode explores the mental training F1 drivers undergo to handle the pressures of racing, featuring insights from expert coach Dr. Tommy Wood.

It's race week. You've got a flight to catch. You need to score points this weekend or you might lose your seat. Fans want selfies at the airport. Your engineer needs your thoughts on car set-up. A pundit just said something about you on a podcast. Your Team Principal is calling you... This is the high-pressure life of a Formula 1 driver. To cope, they need to be mentally strong. How do they train their brains to handle the demands of racing at the very top, and who helps keep their minds in shape? Christian puts your questions on this to an expert on how F1 drivers' brains work. Dr Tommy Wood is Lead Scientist for Motorsport at Hintsa Performance - a company which provides coaches and sports psychologists for many drivers on the grid. Tommy tells us how F1 drivers block out distractions and focus on their on-track performance and explains the coaching which helps them do it. Does age affect a driver's mental abilities? And do off-track friendships between drivers have an effect when battling wheel-to-wheel? F1 Explains is here to answer your F1 questions Send emails or voice notes to F1Explains@F1.com Listen to more Official F1 Podcasts In-depth conversations with big F1 names…

People in this episode

Host: Christian

Guest: Dr Tommy Wood

Topics covered

  • F1 drivers
  • mental training
  • high-pressure situations
  • coaching
  • performance psychology

Keywords

  • F1
  • brain training
  • mental strength
  • performance
  • coaching
  • distractions
  • drivers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hintsa Performance, Formula 1

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