What Makes for a Successful Racing Driver

There’s nothing that captures the imagination quite like the roar of engines come race day. Whether it’s Formula 1, endurance events or touring cars, those that make it onto the list of the world’s best racing drivers are idolised. And while fans argue over things like stats, rivalries, and historic wins, there are just some drivers who simply stand out from the rest… not just because of their talent but because of all of the qualities they bring to the sport. 

Much like how horse racing fans scour through horse racing odds to try to guess which one will cross the finish line first, racing fans love to do the exact same thing with their favourite drivers… and they love a good debate about which drivers they think have that unbeatable edge.

But it’s not just about speed. A successful racing driver needs to have a combination of raw skill, instinct, adaptability, and nerves of steel. Of course, technical skill is important, but so is the ability to make a split-second decision that can be the difference between a podium finish, an early exit… or potentially a serious crash. 

So, what really sets the legends apart from the rest? Let’s look at what they all have in common… and it’s not just about what happens on the track.

Mastering the Machine

To start with, a racing driver has to be the master of their vehicle… in total control. Modern race cars are modern marvels with the most advanced aerodynamics, telemetry, and electronics. Understanding how they can get the most out of their car under changing conditions is a huge part of their job. Legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher weren’t just fast drivers; they were able to give helpful and precise feedback to engineers, tweaking every detail… even to gain just a fraction of a second.

Strength Under Pressure

Like most sports, the mental game is every bit as important as the physical. Races can be won and lost by maintaining focus. This is a sport where one mistake can cost millions, which is why the best drivers have to develop the ability to block out any distractions, keep concentration and stay calm, even under serious pressure. It’s because of this mental steel that drivers like Lewis Hamilton can dominate in the rainiest and most chaotic conditions, or Niki Lauda made it back to return to the cockpit just weeks after he almost died in a crash.

Physical Fitness

Some people think that racing drivers just sit there and move their arms… that it’s physically easy. But that’s actually not true. Racing isn’t as easy as you think. Drivers have to train to cope with things like G-forces, heat, and the surprisingly tough physical demands of having to control a super-fast car for hours. Neck strength is incredibly important. F1 drivers, for example, have to deal with forces of up to 6G when taking corners. Add to it the mental load, dehydration, and the need to have razor-sharp reflexes for hours upon hours, and it’s a lot more taxing than just a casual Sunday drive.

A Desire to Keep Getting Better

Drivers can’t just rest on their laurels when they reach a certain standard – not if they want to be a great. They have to do their homework off the track… study data, learn from problems and setbacks – and never settle for anything less than perfection. Even drivers who’ve won championship after championship… think Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso are always looking for ways to up their game. And it’s this mindset that separates the good from the legendary.

Personality, Charm and Charisma

Racing isn’t just a sport… It’s a show and a spectacle. The drivers who stand out usually have a charm and charisma that make them unforgettable. James Hunt had his rock-star looks and antics in the 70s, while Daniel Ricciardo has a very modern grin-and-win charm that’s hard to resist… and this is all part of their legacy. It can help to create a relationship and reputation with fans and the media that can live on forever.

It’s A Team Sport

But it’s worth remembering that no driver wins alone. Behind every successful racing driver, there’s an incredible team of engineers, strategists, and mechanics… the cogs in the machinery that keep everything moving and have to adapt to the curveballs of race day. Indeed, the relationship a driver has with his race engineer can be the secret weapon that turns a top-10 finisher into a winner.

The Lap of Honour

Ultimately, a successful racing driver has to have just the right mix of natural talent, dedication, a strategic mind, and that unbreakable will to win. They need to thrive under pressure, adapt when things get tricky – and deliver performances that will go down in motorsport history.