How Russell keeps up with the demands of the F1 calendar: 'Trick my brain'
F1 News
- Estéban den Toom
The 2025 Formula 1 calendar will feature the same number of races as the record-breaking 2024 season. With three triple headers, the schedule is set to be particularly demanding for drivers. George Russell, for instance, faced significant challenges following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, highlighting the toll such a packed calendar can take on even the most experienced competitors.
Following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the Formula 1 season took place in Qatar. This required teams to travel from the southern United States to the Middle East in a tight turnaround. With the Las Vegas race held on a Saturday, drivers were expected to be refreshed and ready for media day in Qatar by Thursday, highlighting the intense demands of the packed schedule.
Russell on habits during busy periods
How do the drivers keep that up? Russell has found his own ways to be as fit as possible at the start. "It's definitely really challenging. I have always been seeking and avoiding light these days. I've been pretty aggressive, like 7 p.m. at night just really trying to switch all the lights off tricking the brain that it's time to go to sleep.
"Then in the mornings, maximum light seeing as much light as I can again just to try and trick the brain. I'm still feeling pretty tired. I'll try to shut my eyes for a little bit maybe this evening before bed but the light seemed to do the trick for me." Russell told the media, including GPblog, in Qatar.
Next season, Formula 1 is set to feature a total of 24 races. The season will kick off in Australia with the Grand Prix at Albert Park, scheduled for March 16th.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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