Capstone

Jordan Munday
 Race drivers

▪ How do they deal with 24 hour races?

▪ How do they train physically?
▪ How do they train mentally?
▪ How would I become one?
What does it take to become a professional
race driver?
 What is it?

Think Formula One, but electric.

Formula E is a traditional track car race ran by the FIA, where the
winner is the first one to complete several laps around a race
track.

There are – however – multiple differences that set it apart from

other motorsports.
Video
 How is it different?

▪ All cars are electric

▪ Drivers may swap cars mid-race

▪ Fans are actively participating in

the sport via FANBOOST

▪ Does not race on permanent

race tracks
How do I join Formula E?

All Formula E drivers are part of

racing teams.

Teams are commonly run by

manufacturers.

To have these teams consider

you, there are other
requirements/skills needed.
 Hard Requirements

All drivers must possess an E-license.

How do I get that?

▪ Training session involving electrical safety training and rules

▪ Score of 20 points on the Formula One Super License scoring
system (minimum 18 years old, valid driver’s license, passing of
a theory test, have completed previous race seasons)
 Physical skills

Formula E drivers go through extreme physical therapy.

Drivers must be able to not get fatigued by a 45 minute race,

therefore the arms, neck and legs are exercised most.

Driving a race car at 200km/h is surprisingly hard work, what

exercises can be used to prepare yourself?
 Exercises

▪ Seat twist, builds grip

strength
▪ Deadlift, strengthens
legs
▪ Dumbbell Push-up,
stabilising core
▪ Shoulder press, builds
upper-body endurance
 How do they practice?

Formula E drivers have to be good at driving their cars.

But how do they practice?

 Racing Simulators

Drivers enter a fake cockpit to

control virtual race simulators
to practice driving.

These simulators allow

drivers to practice their skills
in any weather and track they
want, without the danger of
crashing.
 Soft skills

Formula E is half physical; half mental game.

Formula E drivers all practice:

▪ Confidence
▪ Teamwork
▪ Growth mindset
 FANBOOST

FANBOOST is a vote held by Formula E’s organisers before a race

season.

The vote is for the most popular driver.

The driver who wins gets a 5 second speed boost to their car that
they can activate at any time during the next season via a button
on the steering wheel.
 FANBOOST

While 5 seconds does not sound like much, it could make all the
difference in a head-to-head race.

To be voted as the driver to receive the boost you have to get

fans on your side, for them to like you.

You have to actually be a nice person and good driver to win over
the fans’ vote.
 In Summary

To become a Formula E driver:

▪ Be confident
▪ Work out
▪ Practice driving
▪ Join a team
▪ Win the hearts of fans
 What is it?

Think Formula E, but 24 hours long.

The 24 hours of Le Mans is also a traditional track car race ran by

the FIA, where the winner is the one who drives the furthest
distance around the track in 24 hours.

Like Formula E, there are many things that make it unique.

Video
 How is it different?

▪ The race lasts for 24 hours

▪ Multiple races are run at

the same time

▪ Always ran at the same race

track in Le Mans, France
How do I drive in Le Mans?

Prospective Le Mans drivers

must join a manufacturer-run
team to participate in the
annual race.

Before being approached by a

team, there are – like Formula E
– many things you have do.
 Hard Requirements

First time racers must complete a session on the virtual race track
simulator, and drive a minimum on 10 laps on test day.

In addition to this, your skill is categorized by the FIA in four

classes.
 Skill categorization

Platinum – You are the best of the best, special requirements

need to be met to rank up to this level
Gold – Likely very experienced
Silver – You might have some experience, but are still new
Bronze – This is probably the first time you’ve driven in the race

Drivers under 30 are automatically considered Silver

Drivers over 55 are automatically considered Bronze
 Physical skills

Drivers in Le Mans are allowed a maximum of 14 hours of drive

time in the race. This means you could possibly be in a race car
driving at 300km/h for over half a day, without breaks.

Drivers train for years to get physically fit enough to be able to

last the entire race without issue.
 Endurance

For Le Mans, raw strength is less important than sheer endurance.

Previous Le Mans competitors have reported themselves barely

able to turn their cars after having driven for hours.

There are no breaks – your competitors may catch up.

 Soft skills

The 24 hours of Le Mans – once you take out the fact the race
lasts 24 hours – pretty alike to Formula E, therefore the soft skills
are similar.

With one massive exception: Mental and emotional strength.

 Mental & Emotional Fortitude

The race can and will wear you

down over it’s long runtime,
and it’s possible for situations
between drivers on the track to
flare.

You must learn how to keep

yourself calm and level-headed,
even after multiples hours hot
and sweaty in a race car.
 In summary

To become a Le Mans driver:

▪ Be confident
▪ Work out a LOT
▪ Practice driving
▪ Keep yourself level-headed
▪ Join a team
 In conclusion

To become a professional race driver you will have to train for

years, perhaps even decades of your life.

You must be willing to change, growth is crucial to staying on top

of the field.

Your free time? Gone.

Would I become a race driver?

Absolutely not.

▪ Highly competitive
▪ Requires the investment of all your free time
▪ High stress is commonplace
▪ Extreme physical fitness is expected
▪ Have yet to drive
Should you?

Probably not.
Research Paper
 Image Bibliography
(For information sources, please view end of research paper)
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