F1 News: Haas Reveals Huge Challenge All Teams Face In Singapore GP

Haas' Performance Coach and Team Physiotherapist Faith Atack-Martin has opened up on the challenges which teams face when heading into the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

Atack-Martin has provided an interesting insight into just how much goes into dealing with the extreme humidity as well as how to ensure the team does not acclimatise to the Singapore timezones as it is a night race.

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The Singapore Grand Prix is set to take place this coming weekend and brings fans to the fifteen race of the 2023 season. As we head into the iconic race weekend, there has been a lot of discussion about which teams the Marina Bay Circuit will suit including Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. However, the preparations behind-the-scenes is often overlooked.

In the Haas Singapore GP Preview, Atack-Martin explains:

"The humidity poses an additional challenge and requires some careful management to ensure that the team members can regulate body temperature (thermoregulation), stay hydrated and perform at their best.

"Physical and mental conditioning in this environment consists of many considerations. Firstly, avoiding heat illness is our priority. This relies on maintaining equilibrium between salt and water balance in the body[...]

"Other strategies aim to facilitate thermoregulation. Cooling strategies include access to iced towels, sweat bands and the use of an air-conditioned break-out room in the garage where team members can go to take a break. Another adjunct we use is menthol mouthwash. Although using this does not affect core temperature, the perception of heat can be manipulated. Similarly, using cold sprays gives a temporary feeling of coolness that can help in addition to more robust methods."

Atack-Martin went on to discuss how the team deals with the change in timezone and the later session timings with it being a night race. The last race was the Italian Grand Prix on 1-3 September so the teams and drivers have had roughly a week and a half to prepare. She commented:

"There is an assumption that Singapore is a difficult race for jet lag due to the time difference to Europe, however, this is not the case for the race team.

"As a night race, the working hours of the team change insignificantly from European times. In order to mitigate travel fatigue, which will be a factor after a long flight, the first day we arrive is an encouraged rest and specific sleep times are advised in order to avoid adaptation to Singapore time.

"Further mental considerations acknowledge that there is a risk of lower mood when daylight is limited. We therefore try to engage the team in a shared experience such as a football game or team meal. This is important for morale and a sense of perspective away from the track."

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