Ready To Race Again

On this edition of Talking Bull, Max Verstappen and Alex Albon speak exclusively from their homes about the restart of the 2020 Formula 1 Season. We hear about their lockdown training regime, how they’ve spent their time away from the track and how they’re feeling about the upcoming races. We also check in with Alex’s trainer Patrick Harding to get in insight into the work that goes into the physicalities of being a Formula 1 Driver.

# Talking Bull: The Official Podcast of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing

## Episode Summary:

This episode of Talking Bull podcast delves into the unique experiences of Formula One drivers Alex Albon and Max Verstappen during the extended pause in the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast also features an interview with Alex's trainer, Patrick Harding, who provides insights into the challenges of maintaining fitness and motivation during the lockdown.

### Key Insights and Perspectives:

- **The Impact of the Pandemic on the Formula One Season:** The unprecedented break in the Formula One calendar significantly impacted the drivers and teams, creating uncertainty and emotional challenges, especially after the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix just days before it was scheduled to begin.


- **Adapting Training Regimens:** With the season on hold, drivers had to adjust their training routines to maintain fitness and motivation. Alex Albon focused on building an aerobic base, while Max Verstappen concentrated on strength development and muscle mass.


- **The Mental Toll of the Lockdown:** The extended break and the uncertainty surrounding the season's resumption took a toll on the drivers' mental well-being. Patrick Harding emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional aspects before resuming physical training.


- **Embracing Virtual Racing:** Alex Albon participated in the Formula One eSports Virtual Grand Prix series, which provided a sense of competition and helped him stay connected with the racing world during the lockdown.


- **Finding Positivity in the Lockdown:** Patrick Harding highlighted the benefits of the lockdown for Alex Albon, mentioning that the break gave him more time to focus on his personal life and save energy, which he could later channel into his racing.


- **Preparing for a Different Race Day Experience:** The upcoming races will have a different atmosphere due to the absence of fans and the implementation of strict safety protocols. Drivers and teams must adapt to these changes and maintain focus on their performance.

### Important Quotes:

- "It was just crazy, I would sum it up. Just insane, like, I didn't expect to win at all, especially after that start, but we never gave up as a team." - Max Verstappen, reflecting on his victory at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix.


- "Yeah, it's been nice. Obviously having this little extended break was good just to sit down with the team, go over 2019. It was such a hectic year for me. It was nice to have that downtime with the engineers, just to kind of focus on certain things and start up." - Alex Albon, expressing his gratitude for the extended break.


- "I think what Alex is very good at is trusting the people around him to deal with the things that he doesn't need to think about." - Patrick Harding, highlighting Alex Albon's ability to rely on his team to manage distractions and focus on his performance. ## Formula One: Training the Neck and Reaction Speed of a Driver

### Introduction:

In this podcast episode, we delve into the unique training methods employed to enhance the neck strength and reaction speed of Formula One drivers, specifically focusing on Alex Albon. The discussion highlights the importance of these physical attributes for drivers and provides insights into the innovative training techniques used to optimize their performance.

### Neck Strength Training:

* The head and helmet of a Formula One driver can weigh up to 7 kilograms, creating significant G-forces on the neck during high-speed corners.
* To withstand these forces, drivers undergo specialized neck training to build isometric and concentric strength.
* Resistance bands, chains, and digital scales are used to apply controlled pressure on the neck, gradually increasing the load up to 40 kilograms.
* Submaximal training is also conducted to simulate the sustained G-forces experienced during a race.
* Bungee cords and body plank exercises are employed to introduce unpredictability and mimic the multi-directional forces encountered in a race.

### Reaction Speed and Cognitive Processing:

* Reaction speed and cognitive processing are crucial for drivers to make quick and accurate decisions.
* The BlazePod system, consisting of tap-on, tap-off lights, is used to train reaction speed and cognitive processing simultaneously.
* Different colors and presentations are incorporated to add an element of distraction and challenge.
* Tennis ball drills with color-based instructions are utilized to enhance hand-eye coordination and peripheral vision.
* Synaptic glasses, which disrupt visual information, are employed to train the brain to process information more efficiently with less data.

### Maintaining Engagement and Interest:

* To keep training sessions engaging and prevent monotony, a variety of sports and activities are incorporated, such as badminton, squash, and tennis.
* These activities provide sport-specific agility, reaction, and hand-eye coordination benefits.
* Changing up exercises and introducing elements of fun help maintain the driver's motivation and involvement.

### Conclusion:

The podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into the specialized training methods used to develop the physical and cognitive abilities of Formula One drivers. By focusing on neck strength, reaction speed, and cognitive processing, drivers are equipped to handle the demanding physical and mental challenges encountered during a race. The emphasis on innovation and adaptability in training ensures that drivers are prepared to perform at their peak when it matters most.