Ocon needs to build muscle.. fast!

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If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. That could be Esteban Ocon's motto as he starts the year, with the Force India driver saying that he will endure an intense physical regimen to be up to the job of driving his 2017 challenger.

Speaking to French publication Auto Hebdo, Ocon said the new generation of cars will impose bigger physical constraints on drivers this year, and he is personally seeking to add at least 5kg of muscle to his body mass.

"I could only seriously start training after the holidays, which is later than usual," Ocon admitted.

"I trained five days a week, did cardio, weights, jogging on a treadmill because there was less traumatic risk then running on a path.

"But I'll have to step my preparation in order to be in perfect shape for testing which starts at the end of February in Barcelona. I need to add about 5kg of muscle to my body."

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This year will see considerable changes to the F1 grid with the emphasis on larger tyres and increased downforce which should indeed impose an increased physical effort on drivers.

"With cars faster this year by about four or five seconds a lap compared with last year, it will be very difficult for drivers. We talked a lot about it among ourselves at the last races last season. Everybody is expecting to suffer when testing begins."

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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.