I was reading that F1 drivers have to withstand really high temperatures consistently during a race and don’t have A/C. How come they’re hot if there’s wind coming at them really fast throughout the entire race?
In: Physics
A few reasons.
1. Most of the races take place in hot places. If the air outside is 80F+, even wind still feels hot.
2. Races take place on asphalt, which absorbs and puts off a lot of heat. Track temperatures are often HOT.
3. Driving an F1 car is insanely physical. These guys are working hard to control the car while going around turns at insane speeds.
4. F1 drivers wear a lot of protective gear in case of a crash. Their suits are thick and designed to protect against fire. The helmets are also sealed, which keeps heat in around their head. There isn’t any part of skin exposed to wind – so they are thoroughly insulated.
5. The aerodynamics of the car redirect most of the wind around the car, meaning they likely don’t feel much, if any, wind when they are sitting in the cockpit. If you look at the front wing of an F1 car, you will see a little hole on the nose – this is for air to be directed into the cockpit to cool the driver down.
6. The engine is literally right behind the driver. They are basically resting their back on it.
7. Unless you are Max Verstappen (or recently Lando Norris – let’s go Lando!) you are likely driving behind another car/through it’s hot exhaust.
It’s not uncommon for drivers to lose a few pounds of water weight throughout a race due to them sweating so much.
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