Australian Grand Prix – How drivers prepare for the challenge of jet lag

Third stage of the season Formula 1 2023, the Australian Grand Prix (March 31 – April 2) represents one of the biggest challenges of the season for drivers.

Beyond the long journey to set foot in the city of Melbourne, they must make a difference of 8 hours in total after traveling for more than a day. This is why they do not hesitate to take the lead and arrive about a week before the Grand Prix in order to acclimatize as quickly as possible.

This is the case of Carlos Sainz notably who delivered his recipe to fight against the famous jet lag which could be particularly penalizing in the event of poor adaptation. On his Instagram account, the pilot of the Team Ferrari has shared some of its secrets so as not to suffer when arriving in Australia. It's all about managing your body.

« First flight, 7 hours to Dubai. This one is difficult. It's 8 a.m. in Melbourne, so it's very important not to sleep. Lots of caffeine is allowed but most importantly lots of exposure to light. Keep the reading lights on, watch a film, talk, small visits to the bar to chat a little with your colleagues also work. It's 22:30 p.m. 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 between Dubai and Melbourne (…) Arriving at 7 a.m. in Melbourne, the plan will be to stay up all day, exposing yourself to the light. » The goal is therefore to get into Australian time before even leaving the Old Continent and thus be in the rhythm of a classic day once there.

Carlos Sainz's last visit to Australia ended in a retirement in the first round. © Antonin Vincent / DPPI

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