The Formula 1 World Championship is the most popular single-seat race competition worldwide. Several teams participate by developing cars according to FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) regulations. Drivers and team members are exposed to injuries. Acute injuries could involve drivers during the race's activities (i.e. accidents) or team members during some procedures such as pit-stops. On the other hand, some chronic injuries could affect the musculoskeletal system of drivers and team members. Forced postures in the cockpit, vibrations and increased g-forces could have relevant effects on the drivers, causing neck pain and low back pain. At the same time, the prolonged control of the car requires protracted isometric contractions leading to sustained tensions on tendons, particularly in the shoulder region. Among team members, repetitive operations during car assembly and prolonged forced postures could cause overuse injuries such as low back pain, lateral epicondylitis or joints discomfort. Preventive strategies have been implemented to increase safety in the Formula 1 World Championship during the past years. Some specific equipment for the race, car and driver have increased the survival rate after accidents. At the same time, several teams are implementing specific rehabilitation and preventive programmes to improve stamina, strength and flexibility aimed at limiting overuse injuries involving the musculoskeletal system.
Formula 1 world championship / Fernando, F.; Biffi, A.; Borra, F.; De Carli, F.; Monetti, G.; Sirico, F.. - (2022), pp. 95-106. [10.1007/978-3-662-64532-1_15]
Formula 1 world championship
Sirico F.
2022
Abstract
The Formula 1 World Championship is the most popular single-seat race competition worldwide. Several teams participate by developing cars according to FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) regulations. Drivers and team members are exposed to injuries. Acute injuries could involve drivers during the race's activities (i.e. accidents) or team members during some procedures such as pit-stops. On the other hand, some chronic injuries could affect the musculoskeletal system of drivers and team members. Forced postures in the cockpit, vibrations and increased g-forces could have relevant effects on the drivers, causing neck pain and low back pain. At the same time, the prolonged control of the car requires protracted isometric contractions leading to sustained tensions on tendons, particularly in the shoulder region. Among team members, repetitive operations during car assembly and prolonged forced postures could cause overuse injuries such as low back pain, lateral epicondylitis or joints discomfort. Preventive strategies have been implemented to increase safety in the Formula 1 World Championship during the past years. Some specific equipment for the race, car and driver have increased the survival rate after accidents. At the same time, several teams are implementing specific rehabilitation and preventive programmes to improve stamina, strength and flexibility aimed at limiting overuse injuries involving the musculoskeletal system.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
