Max Verstappen is a young man endowed with an abundance of natural talent, but it wouldn't be of much help without the proper fitness level required to make the most of it.

Formula 1 drivers are no ordinary human beings, despite what the armchair enthusiast may believe when he yells abuse at his TV as his favourite driver puts his car in the wall at 200 mph.

Drivers push their body to the limits as they sustain extreme conditions, which is why rigorous training schedules and regimen's are self-imposed, even more so this year with the sport's faster, more physical cars.

In this Mobil 1 The Grid feature, Max gives us the lowdown on why physical preparation is crucial to a driver's success.

 

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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