Founded in 1950, Formula 1 is the “highest level of single-seat, open-wheel and open-cockpit professional motor racing contest”. F1 is a motor racing championship in which 20 drivers compete to win. Some of its famous racers are Lando Norris (McLaren), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Max Varstrappen (Red Bull), and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari). Despite the glory and the thrill of racing, this article will discuss the most recent F1 news and its impact on mental health.
Honda and Red Bull
At the end of the 2021 season, Honda and Redbull, two of the largest F1 production engine companies operating since 1983 shockingly announced how they would be withdrawing from future production. This decision was made based on their goals for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Currently, they are working upon the development of new technology and engines that could achieve those sustainability goals, however in order to focus on those extensive goals, Honda has decided to cease production for the race. Nevertheless, due to their long history and partnership, Honda and Red Bull have agreed for the manufacturer to keep producing the F1 Power Unit throughout 2022. Furthermore, a new company called Red Bull Powertrains will be the overseer of this process as Honda will be focusing their effort elsewhere. Moreover, due to their history, Honda and Red Bull will keep collaborating in promoting the sport around the world and specifically expanding their audience in Japan. A successful example of this collaboration is Yuki Tsunda, who has become the youngest racer in F1, currently. On 9-10 of October, Red Bull ran a special livery in Turkey as a tribute to their partnership and collaboration with Honda.
Mental Health in F1
In the beginning of October 2021 Lando Norris revealed how much he had been struggling with mental health during his first season in Formula 1. Norris stated that he coped with his mental health by: “ just being around the people who are always there to help me rather than people who are just there because they want to be friends.” This might have seemed like an obvious revelation, however, for the driver it had a huge impact as it helped him grow and start coping with the challenges on his own. Due to the pressure of being one the of the youngest drivers, maintaining positions, and to keep representing McLarent, Norris’s coping mechanism and challenges with mental health is an important aspect to consider when discussing the driver.
On the other hand, in 2020, Red Bull racer Max Varstrappen openly stated how discussing mental health is not something he would do as it would be stating he was weak. Due to the applied pressure of replacing Pierre Gasley in the team, Varstrappen has been under the pressure of proving himself and taking home a win for Red Bull. The young racer stated, “I train to be better and that’s where I’m focusing,” suggesting that he is putting training first, even before his own mental health.
Rival of Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, has taken the completely opposite stance in the aspect of mental health. Hamilton emphasizes and “urges people to continue talking about mental health.” The rivalry between Verstrappen and Hamilton can be observed eveon of the the race track, as they contradict in their views on life, including mental health. Hamilotn stated: “I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s never a bad thing to ask for help if you need it, or to tell somebody how you feel. Showing your vulnerable side doesn’t make you weak, instead, I like to think of it as a chance to become stronger.” This interview was conducted merely a couple of days before Varstrappen stated how he has no need for showing weakness in mental health.
Formula 1 has been undergoing changes and developments throughout the decades, however with the new partnerships, rivalries, outlooks on life outside the race track and end goals, the contest may be on the brink of experiencing a large shift in their policies and conducts. This is in order to fit in the new global expectations, maintain integrity, support their drivers and most importantly widen the audience to everyone who can be a part of the large family of Formula 1.