In what way does an F1 driver make use of any of the muscles in his body ?? With the exception of resistance to G-Forces they don't. F1 drivers require almost exclusively isometric strength in some parts of their bodies they don't under go even partial ROM for there to be any dynamic element to their strength requirements.
As for their elevated heart and respiratory rates during a race, they are purely down to adrenaline being dumped in to the bloodstream as a result of generalised stress levels, very little to do with cardio vascular exersion.
WARNING POST CONTAINS PICTURES OF KARTS. IF ANYONE IS EASILY OFFENDED BY SUCH IMAGES CLICK AWAY NOW
Foe those interested here's some pics from his preparations from Italy
If he had proper neck problems he wouldn't be driving one of those all day trust me! Looks in good shape to be fair!
"We had two very good Karting days in Lonato, Luca (Badoer) and me could well exploit the time. Arms, upper body, shoulders, neck -an excellent practice indeed. I really would like to expressly thank Roberto Robazzi and his Tonykart-Team who as always prepare only the best conditions for us. What was especially nice for me was that Corinna had joined me those days. It was our wedding anniversary yesterday and we celebrated it with a nice dinner in the evening. In the next days I will keep practicing at home."
lol. Hi corrina that wedding anniversary thing in Italy I told you about. Well I kinda left out the fact i'll be karting as well.
Yes it does. What else changed since these days? Steering? Well they may have power assistance today, but it's still rack and pinion. Bumpier tracks? The suspensions were softer. Climate hasn't changed much since the 60s, so it isn't any cooler in the cockpit.
So add up g-forces and increased stress on the brain (higher speeds) and there you have it: nowadays driving F1 is much more demanding than in the 60s.
Almost off-topic: hell, they used to eat cheeseburgers before races and win afterwards back in the 80s...
I don't know if the cars are more demanding. I think what has changed is teams and drivers realising the benefits of fitness.
The drivers are fitter so can cope better, but I don't think 20+ years ago people really were clued up. In the 80s-early 90s the forces the drivers coped with through the steering wheel were much bigger than they are now.
The only real increase in demand is the strength of the neck. Its the only real part of an F1 drivers that has had increasing demands over the years. Everything else has become less in terms of physicality. Heck even Schumacher said a kart was more demanding (in certain areas)
His neck injury seems to be the reason, his neck canot keep up with the pressure after the accident on the motorcycle in the winter.
I am not sure if I would like Schumi back or not, he's a legende yes, but well Either way, for the sport's sake I guess it's bad.