Impressions from inside the pit of the F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas

F1 - Exemplifying High-Performance Standards in Sport

Comparisons between F1 and Downhill Ski Racing

Having spent the majority of our professional lives in the world of sports, my wife Kerrin and I were afforded a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the F1 environment during last week’s Grand Prix in Las Vegas. A heartfelt thank you to my longstanding friend, Robert Trenkwalder, head of special projects at Red Bull, for making this experience possible. A special Thank You, goes to Franz Trost, the Team Principal of Alphatauri, a fellow Austrian, who generously invited us to be guests at his Team and patiently answered our numerous questions, providing us with insights into the intricacies of the sport.

Undoubtedly, F1 stands as the ultimate of high performance in sports. Observing the synchronized precision of the 60+ member crews for each of the 10 teams, both on and off the racecourse, is very impressive.

Drawing parallels between F1 and the realm familiar to Kerrin and me, Downhill Ski Racing, a notable distinction becomes apparent right away—the scale of the team and the distinctly defined roles for each member. The significance of clear job assignments and well-defined processes becomes evident, serving as crucial elements for the team to operate seamlessly at the highest level, particularly under the pressures of competition.

Another notable difference is the multitude of individuals contributing to decisions influencing performance and devising optimal race strategies, placing added emphasis on strictly following a robust process. The extensive video and data collection available to the teams are truly impressive. The key lies not in the scarcity of information but identifying the most relevant and critical data.

Equally fascinating was observing the drivers as they prepared for training and race events. The highly individualized approaches to getting themselves in the optimal performance mindset is very similar those of downhill racers prior to going to the start gate. Self-awareness and understanding how to attain peak performance are imperative for each driver as they prepare to take the driver's seat.

Once in the seat, connected via radio to the chief engineer, the ongoing communication before, during, and after sessions captivated our attention. Unlike ski racing, where communication occurs before the start and after the finish line, in F1, it is constant throughout practice and race sessions. Drivers receive real-time information while on the track, providing feedback to the pit crew. Some car settings can be adjusted while the driver is in motion, but for significant changes and tire replacements, the driver must come to the pit.

This continuous communication emerges as a crucial element for the team's ultimate success. The quality of feedback from the driver regarding the car's performance and the precise, clear information relayed from the pit to the driver are paramount. The chief race engineer's voice, communicating calmly and reassuringly while analyzing incoming information and selecting the most critical pieces to convey, strikes a delicate balance. It entails providing technical information while instilling confidence in the driver and knowing when to push if required.

From our perspective, we found this aspect to be the most fascinating part of the F1 experience, resonating closely with DH ski racing. Beyond the technical details, the trust and connection between the driver and the Chief Race Engineer are fundamentally human and indispensable under pressure. The ability to empathize with the driver and comprehend their perspective is foundational for sustainable high performance, even in a sport where victory means everything.

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