Nyck de Vries considers physical preparation in Formula 1 with a personal trainer as “crucial”
While the Dutchman is conducting private tests on behalf of Pirelli at the Paul Ricard circuit, Nyck de Vries, who is about to embark on his first full season in F1 next month, reflects on the physical preparation required for the premier category.
At 28 years old, Nyck de Vries had to wait several years, going through Formula 2 where he became champion, as well as Formula E, and also had a stint in the WEC where he participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times, with a 4th place finish last year.
He who is finally preparing to enter Formula 1 in a few weeks as a regular driver explains the training in Formula 1 and compares it to the other categories he has been through.
« In my journey to Formula 2, I have always been very involved in training and have always enjoyed it. I have always trained with a coach, he begins.
Having no access to F1 after his championship, he switched to Formula E. According to him, the training, with his new coach Pyry Salmela, who used to be Pierre Gasly’s fitness coach, is dramatically different, with the body experiencing less strain in the electric category.
When I switched to Formula E, far from Formula 2 and Formula 1, the need to be fit became less important and suddenly, many other things became more important in life. You just prioritize what is most important for on-track performance and, frankly, these past two or three years, I have mostly trained as I like, by enrolling in gym classes for enjoyment.
I mean that I have always been active and I have always trained, but never really with a routine, so joining Pyry has changed that massively and I think the importance of being physically prepared for Formula 1 is crucial, it’s not just important, it’s crucial.
