Jet lag and long journey: How drivers prepare for the Australian Grand Prix challenge

Everything is ready for the start of the 2025 season. It will be launched in Australia with the first Grand Prix of the year. A first since 2019 when the F1 has made a habit of starting in Bahrain lately.

A trip to the other side of the world is always enjoyable for the paddock, but it's also unique because of the challenge it represents. Indeed, the players have to take many factors into account, starting with a very significant time difference, especially since this year they're facing no less than a 10-hour time difference (compared to Central European Time). Not to mention a flight of about a day with stopovers on the Old Continent.

To best prepare and arrive in the best possible condition for the race, drivers do not hesitate to leave several days in advance. Some even arrive the weekend before the start in order to be fully adapted. Some time ago, Carlos Sainz shared the "recipe" for his trip to Australia on his social media. According to the Madrid native, it's all about managing your body.

« First flight, 7 hours to Dubai. This one is tough. It's 8 a.m. in Melbourne, so it's very important not to sleep in. Plenty of caffeine is allowed, but most importantly, [it's necessary] Lots of light exposure. Keep reading lights on, watch a movie, socialize, and even a quick trip to the bar to chat with your colleagues works too. It's 22:30 PM in Europe, so it won't be easy.

Two hours then stopover in Dubai. You will probably be in a zombie state after staying up all night but it is important to continue to make the effort to never sleep and stay in bright places, whether with sunlight or artificial light. Take your last dose of caffeine if it helps. It will be 7 a.m. in Europe, afternoon in Melbourne.

Next comes a 12-hour flight from Dubai to Melbourne (where he always adjusts his sleep according to Australian time). Arriving at 7am in Melbourne, the plan will be to stay up all day, exposing yourself to the light. » The objective of this “strategy” is to anticipate and therefore already put your body in the local time zone before even leaving the Old Continent to be immediately in the rhythm once you arrive there.

ALSO READ > 2025 Australian Grand Prix: What's changing at Albert Park