The Hidden Dangers of Triple-Headers and the Impact on Team Staff
As the Formula 1 calendar continues to expand, with a record 24 races scheduled for this season, the grueling triple-headers have become an integral part of the sport. However, concerns have been raised about the physical and mental toll these consecutive races take on team staff. In this article, we delve into the potential risks associated with triple-headers and explore ways teams can mitigate these effects to ensure the well-being of their staff.
In September 2020, former Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer expressed his reservations about multiple triple-headers, stating that they are “not sustainable.” Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, echoed similar sentiments around the same time. More recently, Andreas Seidl, now Sauber CEO, emphasized the need to avoid triple-headers to reduce the burden on team staff.
As the Formula 1 schedule enters its European leg, with back-to-back races in Barcelona, Austria, and Silverstone, it’s essential to acknowledge the initial concerns raised by team principals. However, it’s crucial to consider the perspectives of those who bear the brunt of the triple-headers – the team staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
The growth of the calendar has resulted in two triple-headers this season, with the second one scheduled for the tail end of the season. This latter triple-header poses a unique challenge, with time differences and jet lag adding to the physical and mental fatigue of team staff.
Understanding the Risks
To better understand the risks associated with triple-headers, Autosport spoke with Dr. Tom Brownlee, Head of Sport Science at the Sport Science Agency, and Dr. Dan Martin, owner of Combine Performance, who works with F1 teams and drivers. According to Dr. Martin, the primary concerns are physical fatigue, psycho-social issues, and the risk of injury.
“Team staff often work 12- to 14-hour days, commute together, and socialize together, leading to increased irritability and decreased team cohesion.”
- Dr. Dan Martin, Combine Performance
Dr. Martin emphasized that team staff often work 12- to 14-hour days, commute together, and socialize together, leading to increased irritability and decreased team cohesion. He also highlighted the importance of capturing and recording data to accurately report on the effects of triple-headers on team staff.
Mitigating the Risks
So, what can teams do to minimize the risks associated with triple-headers? Dr. Martin suggested that teams can develop routines to help staff adjust to time zone changes, prioritize sleep, and provide downtime between races. He also recommended limiting the number of races staff attend and rotating staff to reduce the burden across the season.
Additionally, Dr. Martin emphasized the importance of teams providing staff with their own hotel rooms, which can significantly improve sleep quality and quantity. He also stressed the need for staff to prioritize their own well-being by eating well, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol consumption, and getting enough rest.
As the Formula 1 calendar continues to evolve, it’s essential for teams to take proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of their staff. By doing so, they can mitigate the risks associated with triple-headers and maintain a fresh and healthy workforce throughout the season.
This article was written with the support of Sport Science Agency.
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