Formula Physio: Pit Lane for Drivers

Kim Keedle,

Physiotherapist & Performance Coach, Haas F1 Team

Kim in action in Pit Lane

With the Monaco Grand Prix just finished (with an Aussie top of the podium), the Enhance Team has asked me to write a little bit about my experiences working in Formula 1 over the last year…

Having graduated from physiotherapy 6 years ago, I never would have thought that I’d end up working in Formula 1. I was always keen to work in sport, however my interest was predominantly in in team sports, particularly AFL. As often happens though, sometimes opportunities present that you just need to take and make the most of.

I have been working in Formula 1 now for over a year, and work with a driver providing physiotherapy, and also utilising my skills in Strength & Conditioning, assisting with his physical training, nutrition, and overall preparation for the race.

"...sometimes opportunities present that you just need to take and make the most of"

Whilst it’s true that the biggest determining factor between wining and losing is the performance of the actual car, these drivers are constantly put under physical and mental stress when driving. During a race, drivers can experience forces of up to 8x Body Weight under heavy braking, endure extreme temperatures in the cockpit and have hundreds of different settings that they can change on their steering wheel, whilst also reacting to the race that’s happening in front of them.... now that's multitasking!

This makes mental and physical preparation paramount so that they can get the most out of their cars.

Outside of the car there is added distractions which drivers have to manage, none more so than in Monaco on the beautiful French Riviera. This race generates the most interest over the entire F1 season creating an influx of wealthy glamorous fans to the extravagant city trying to get the perfect 'selfie'. What normally comes with rich socialite spectators...constant parties, increased media commitments & formal dinners many drivers must attend.

Added to all of this is the fact that this track is so narrow that whilst driving at high speeds, there are literally millimeters between completing a corner successfully or hitting the wall and causing significant damage to the car (see Max Verstappen’s Crash). It may not be the most physically demanding race but the technical skill and mental resilience it requires over 78 laps is phenomenal.

Let's not forget the incredible physical demands placed on the pit crew!

Throughout my time working with a driver the biggest physical issues he’s had injury wise is back and neck ‘tightness’ due to the forces that are put through this when in the car. Drivers have incredible next and trunk strength however they are still prone to getting tightness from driving long hours. Due to the driver's sitting posture in the car, we also constantly work on keeping his hips healthy, and spend a lot of time working on his glutes and anterior hip muscles. Our driver also experiences L) calf and Achilles issues occasionally, which is due to the fact that his L) foot is his braking foot, which requires a lot of force and that is repeated hundreds of times over the course of a weekend... not your average way to overload your achilles!

Just like any athlete, you have to consider the rest of a driver's life. He is a keen triathlete, and therefore I also make sure that he is in good shape to be able to enjoy that and deal with other issues that swimming, cycling and running present.

This year in F1 has been an interesting experience and I have learnt some really positives & interesting things out of it. Applying my clinical skills in such a unique sporting context has been both challenging but a great deal of fun.

It’s a sport where the quality of car is paramount to success however ensuing that the driver is physically and mentally prepared to optimise that car is highly critical. I’ve certainly gained a lot of respect for the physical stress that the drivers put themselves through and look forward to what the future holds.

• Kim Keedle graduated from Melbourne University in 2012 with a bachelors of Physiotherapy, commencing work in the private practice sector in Melbourne. During this time he continued to study part time, completing a Masters in Strength & Conditioning at Edith Cowan University (WA) in 2016. From there he moved over the U.K following his passion for sport. He is currently working full time & travelling the globe as a Physiotherapist and Performance coach at Haas F1 Team