Beating jetlag, scheduling naps, and switching off: How do Formula 1 drivers sleep?

Beating Jetlag, Scheduling Naps, and Switching Off: How Do Formula 1 Drivers Sleep?

The secret to success in Formula 1 lies in a good night’s sleep. Rest is a top priority for F1 drivers, and they use specific strategies to ensure they achieve it.

Almost everyone has experienced a difficult morning—waking up early to darkness and cold after poor sleep, struggling to get out of bed and feeling off all day. For F1 drivers, days like this are not an option. In modern sport, every detail of an athlete’s routine is carefully managed, with sleep playing a crucial role in peak performance.

Jet lag is a persistent challenge for all Formula 1 teams. Managing sleep while traveling internationally is a tough task that few sports face as frequently as F1, which hosts 24 Grands Prix across five continents each season.

However, simply telling drivers to "sleep well" is ineffective. The teams use tailored methods and routines to help drivers rest properly amid the demanding schedule. To understand these techniques better, we spoke with Oscar about how he and his team ensure they get enough restful sleep and wake up refreshed.

“Simply sending a driver off at the end of the day and saying, ‘Sleep well, don’t let the bed bugs bite,’ isn’t an effective strategy.”

Careful planning and strategic naps are essential components of the drivers' routines to maintain optimal physical and mental condition despite relentless travel.

Author’s Summary

Formula 1 drivers battle frequent jet lag through well-planned sleep strategies, crucial for maintaining peak performance across a demanding global race calendar.

Would you prefer a more technical focus on sleep science or a more personal approach with driver anecdotes?

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McLaren McLaren — 2025-11-05

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