Interview: Daniel Ricciardo's Physio-Trainer Michael Italiano

In one of our summer break specials, we bring to you an in-depth interview with Daniel Ricciardo's trainer, Michael Italiano.

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Michael, who has been friends with Daniel since they were both aged 12 years, shares how Formula 1 drivers deal with the pressure & negativity that comes with their profession. Michael explains the 'jet lag protocol' that he has in place for Ricciardo - to help cope with flyaway races that after held in different timezones. He also explains how drivers maintain immunity through the long racing calendars & more. 

This episode was recorded a few days before the 2022 British Grand Prix and was scheduled for a summer break release. Our regulars would remember snippets from this interview in our 2022 British Grand Prix preview episode.

Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 47)

Follow our hosts: Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Mclaren

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: Michael Italiano, Daniel Ricciardo's Trainer

**Introduction**

- Michael Italiano, Daniel Ricciardo's trainer, joins the podcast to discuss the physical and mental aspects of Formula One racing.
- Michael has been friends with Daniel since they were 12 years old.

**Mental Well-being**

- Michael emphasizes the importance of a healthy internal environment and a trustworthy team for drivers to lean on during challenging times.
- He acts as a sounding board and a mental coach for Daniel, providing support and advice.
- Daniel vents on Wednesdays to clear his mind before focusing on the race weekend.

**Physical Training**

- Michael tailors Daniel's physical training to the demands of different races.
- Factors considered include heat, altitude, jet lag, travel time, and the physicality of the track.
- High-demand races include Miami, Saudi Arabia, Budapest, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.

**Immunity and Jet Lag Protocols**

- Maintaining immunity is crucial for drivers with a long and demanding racing calendar.
- Michael highlights the importance of consistent jet lag protocols to help drivers adjust to different time zones quickly.
- Key elements of jet lag protocols include meal timings, light exposure, caffeine timing, and exercise.

**Adaptation to the New Formula One Cars**

- Michael explains that the new Formula One cars are quicker and require more physical strength.
- Drivers need to be in top physical condition to handle the increased G-forces and cornering speeds.
- The new cars have introduced the phenomenon of porpoising, which can cause headaches and lower back pain in drivers.

**Recovery from Porpoising**

- Michael focuses on recovery and massage to help Daniel alleviate pain caused by porpoising.
- He emphasizes the importance of keeping Daniel moving and avoiding prolonged rest.
- The team is confident that teams will find solutions to minimize porpoising in the future.

**Conclusion**

- Michael expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to share insights into the role of a Formula One trainer.
- He looks forward to discussing more aspects of driver training, performance, and recovery in future episodes.