McLaren Honda and GSK Human Performance Lab agree new research partnership

McLaren Honda and the GSK HPL have agreed a comprehensive research programme that will lead to the development of bespoke strategies and performance optimisation for the team.

McLaren Honda’s drivers and mechanics will undergo a series of physiological and cognitive assessments in the HPL and at select Grands Prix throughout the season to help improve their performance.  

In February 2015, McLaren Honda mechanics undertook a series of body composition, cognitive, physiological and strength assessments in the lab. The assessments were carried out over a two day period to gain a thorough and detailed analysis of the team. 

Each mechanic was then given a personalised nutrition and fitness plan in order to help them prepare in the best possible way for the long season ahead. 

The plan helps the team better deal with extremes of climate, travel, time zones and periods away from home that impact on their performance.

The tests help identify key areas for individuals and to start to build new strategies in sleep, travel, nutrition and fitness to cope. The team will visit the GSK HPL for follow up assessments throughout the season.

McLaren Honda’s drivers will use a drink in their McLaren Honda MP4-30 F1 cars during every Grand Prix that has been specifically designed for them by the GSK HPL team. The unique formulation helps ensure they stay at peak condition during the demands of a Grand Prix weekend.  

The drink, which has been developed by working with the drivers over a period of months, contains a personalised glucose and electrolyte formulation.

This provides their placement of fluid and salts lost when racing and the maintenance of blood glucose to enhance performance. It is specifically formulated for the drivers, as sweat rate and fluid loss vary greatly between individuals.

Mark Langley, GSK HPL General Manager, commented: “The whole McLaren Honda team – from mechanics to drivers - is under extreme pressure to perform at every Grand Prix. 

Our aim is to help the team better understand the science behind their performance, enabling them to perform at the highest level possible over the course of a long gruelling F1™ season”. Clayton Green, McLaren Human Performance Manager, also stated that: “Our research partnership with the GSK HPL will help us better understand and develop human performance for the whole McLaren Honda team. Human Performance is critical in F1 and the team have to be at their peak throughout the season.”