McLaren Honda Reveals Secret Weapon

16 Mar 2015 | sigadmin

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McLaren Honda and the GSK Human Performance Lab have agreed a comprehensive new research programme that will lead to the development of bespoke strategies and performance optimisation for the Formula One team.

As part of the new deal, McLaren Honda’s drivers and mechanics will undergo a series of physiological and cognitive assessments in the GSK HPL and at select races throughout the season to help improve their performance.

In February 2015, McLaren Honda mechanics undertook a series of body composition, cognitive, physiological and strength assessments in the GSK HPL, carried out over a two day period to gain a detailed analysis of the team. Each mechanic was then given a personalised nutrition and fitness plan in order to help them prepare in the best possible way for the season ahead.

The aim is to help the team better deal with extremes of climate, travel, time zones and periods away from home that impact on their performance. The tests help identify key areas for individuals and to start to build new strategies in sleep, travel, nutrition and fitness to cope.

The team will visit the GSK HPL for follow up assessments throughout the season.

McLaren Honda’s drivers will also use a drink in their McLaren Honda MP4-30 F1 cars during every Grand Prix that has been specifically designed for them by the GSK HPL team.

The GSK HPL carries out research with elite performers – athletes, sports teams, extreme explorers – to help develop improved training, recovery, nutrition and competition programmes for partners. In return, the research helps GSK develop products that better meet the healthcare needs of consumers and informs wider GSK research. Research partners include the Olympic medal winning Brownlee brothers and the RFU.

Mark Langley, GSK HPL general manager, commented: “The whole McLaren Honda team – from mechanics to drivers – is under extreme pressure to perform at every Grand Prix. Our aim is to help the team better understand the science behind their performance, enabling them to perform at the highest level possible over the course of a long gruelling F1 season”.

Clayton Green, McLaren human performance manager, added: “Our research partnership with the GSK HPL will help us better understand and develop human performance for the whole McLaren Honda team. Human Performance is critical in F1 and the team have to be at their peak throughout the season.”