Lewis Hamilton says the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic compelled F1 drivers, and himself in particular, to take 'huge leaps' in terms of their focus on personal health.
At the height of the global pandemic, Hamilton was hit by the coronavirus at the end of the 2020 season and was forced to miss the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Since, the seven-time F1 world champion has doubled down on his efforts to protect himself in order to minimize the risk of missing a race, and to this day the Briton continues to wear a mask in the paddock on race weekends.
A devoted vegan who relies exclusively on a plant-based diet, Hamilton has been concerned for many years now by his health and lifestyle.
"Every year I’ve always looked at trying to help figure out how I can be better and how I can have more energy," the F1 star told GQ.
"How can I be a better team-mate? How can I feel better and how can I balance my life out better?
"Just over time, becoming more and more conscious of how I’m treating myself, being more in tune with my body and what my body needs and when it needs to rest."
But the recent challenging Covid period further boosted his active interest in his health and well-being, for personal but also for professional reasons.
"Not getting sick through the pandemic really highlighted the importance in our job of not missing a race by catching the virus, so we took a huge leap in terms of hygiene," he said.
"That’s stayed with us, so generally I’ve never been more focused on my health.
"I also have found that rather than trying to fix a problem once you’ve got an illness or something, it’s better to try to pre-empt it by being as healthy as possible.
"For me, I’m just always looking at how I can gain an advantage. How can I be healthier? How can I have more energy?"
Beyond his dietary constraints, Hamilton has also adjusted in the past few years his race weekend physical routine, as well as his post-race recovery regimen.
"Recovery has been a real focus for me in the past couple of years," he added.
"Now, I always make sure the day after a race is a complete day off – I make sure it’s a day to myself for self-care.
"I do cryotherapy, I might do some pool work and I make sure I get physio or acupuncture that day, or just a steam room.
"Also, when I was younger I honestly didn’t stretch before or after I got in the car. I wasn’t equipped with the knowledge it’s a good way to loosen yourself up, so stretching is super-important to me now."
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
