The Dark Side Of Formula 1

I remember as a child I once heard the sound of a car zooming past me, 200 miles per hour. Immediately I was transported into an image of myself behind the driver’s seat, waiting for the bright neon lights to go off. People’s faces kept flashing right in front of me in slow motion, waving and cheering as I felt my heart thump loudly in my chest. And then, it began- The Monaco Grand Prix.

An internationally recognized event, Formula 1 (F1) gathers hundreds and thousands of spectators from all around the globe who come to witness a battle amongst the cars, not unlike that of fighter pilots. With 22 races covering five continents, Formula 1 can be called the ultimate competition, only fit for the best of the best. Drivers must exhibit their maximum potential, allowing no room for reluctance, fear, or second thoughts. About one of the most-watched races of this event- the Monaco Grand Prix- three-time world champion Nelson Piquet describes it as “like riding a bicycle around your living room.”

However, beyond the excitement, thrill, and glory surrounding this racing event is a much darker side. In contrast, every F1 fan dream to someday be a part of this ultimate experience, whether as a driver or team member; the reality is much graver. While physical exhaustion is a given, it is the mental strain that goes unaccounted for. Studies and reports indicate the intense mental pressure placed on the drivers and mechanics, and other staff members. The effort to constantly improve and be the best takes a definite toll on the team and makes the work environment toxic and uncomfortable.

The health of the team is severely compromised in the months before the grand races begin. Living on a plane, constantly traveling from one country to another, and subjected to excessively long hours and very little sleep is the reality of F1 that is often kept private. Additionally, it is having to make the difficult decision of staying away from family and friends for months at a stretch- all for that perfect race. Over the years, the event has gained popularity, welcoming a large number of new viewers. However, with an increased audience comes higher expectations and an ever-expanding calendar. Staff members work day and night, spending hours perfecting the vehicle by improving fuel capacity, increasing speed potential, and minimizing chances of a crash. The risks involved are well known to everyone, and the thought of failure looms over each team member like a dark cloud. Even then, as the years pass by, the establishment has recognized mental health concerns and aims to spread awareness with the help of Movember. However, the end is still very far, and much more must be done in the future.

Others argue that though there may be extreme pressure placed on the drivers, they agree to this task. A driver is worthy of driving a race car not only based on his skill and potential but by showing his fearlessness and unmatched resolve. Each day is a new battle, with no guarantee of it being good or bad. During the race, they must rely on their instinct and hunger to win. However, such things are easier said than done. Accidents on the track are not uncommon and are incredibly frightening to watch, not just for fans but also for family members that are constantly praying for a safe race. Some of the best drivers have succumbed to their injuries from a race, one notable example being Ayrton Senna, who was involved in a fatal accident in 1994 at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

As the current pandemic continues, many had concerns about the grand race and its drivers. In a recent interview, Sergey Zloblin- the first Russian test driver in the F1- said, “Drivers are vulnerable people; they are a special group of athletes” and stated that he was worried about the lockdown impacting their potential. Mental health has been a subject of taboo for many years, even in the racing industry. However, recent efforts have been made on behalf of Netflix to portray the action and glamour of Formula 1 racing and show the dark side of the event, including internal struggles, deaths, and injuries of racers, etc. The audience must recognize the strive behind every Formula 1 race by seeing more than face value.