Formula One places a range of physical stresses on the drivers, from the high G-forces they are subjected to on track, the extensive travel programme and climate changes. At Malaysia the latter places a stress on the drivers before they get into the car. Mark Arnall, Kimi Raikkonen’s personal trainer and therapist, outlines how the drivers prepare for the event.

“Malaysia is a very tough race on a physical level, with the drivers facing incredible heat and humidity that can cause them to lose up to 3.5-4.0 litres of fluid,” says Mark. “The drivers are working in a cockpit environment that can be over 50 degrees centigrade, a situation where dehydration will impact performance and concentration levels. The more prepared the driver is, the better equipped his body will be at coping with these stresses and consequently the drivers stay out in the region to train in a similar environment, with both Kimi and David spending some time in Thailand building up to the race. It takes the body around 10 days to get use to heat with the majority of adaptation occurring within the first three to four days.

We are looking to get the body used to taking in a greater amount of fluids to replace what is lost through sweating. We pay particular attention to the fluid levels and which types of fluids we use. For example, drinking just water in this type of environment can actually dehydrate you further. Our aim over the period of time leading up to the race is to try to get the body used to taking in more fluids, whilst during the race weekend itself we just try to ensure that we re-hydrate the drivers after free practice, qualifying and the race as effectively as possible.”

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