Lucozade helps combat tropical conditions in Singapore
This weekend Formula 1 returns to Singapore, and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be relying on Lucozade Hydration Formulation and Lucozade Race Formulation to keep both the team and the drivers in peak form. First introduced at the Malaysian Grand Prix this year, the energy drinks have – like our MP4-27 cars – been continuously developed throughout the season.
Singapore’s equatorial location means high ambient temperatures are a given, and humidity levels up to 90 per cent make it harder to breathe because the moisture in the air displaces oxygen. Although the track sessions take place during the evening, the enclosed nature of the circuit – which wends its way through the Singapore cityscape – means the temperature only drops by a few degrees.
Lucozade Hydration Formulation contains higher levels of sodium than standard Lucozade Sport to replace salts lost through sweat, as well as protein, which has hydration benefits. For team members working long hours in the open air – especially those who have to wear thick flame-proof overalls during track sessions – it will provide welcome relief from the heat and humidity.
For the drivers, Lucozade Race Formulation contains slightly less carbohydrate than standard Lucozade Sport for weight management, and its acidity level is carefully balanced to ensure rapid absorption. A small amount of caffeine helps promote alertness. All these factors are especially important at Singapore: 23 corners make this one of the busiest tracks on the calendar, requiring a high degree of concentration and a drink that does not linger too long in the stomach.
Hydration is just as important off-track as both Lewis and Jenson work on fitness and core strength without putting on weight, a process aided by Maximuscle’s lean definition range and supervised by the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Human High Performance team. Once they’re out on the circuit, though, they’re on their own – and regulations only permit a one-litre drinks bottle.
Drivers can expect to lose around 3kg of fluid during the course of a Grand Prix; more at hot races. For someone weighing around 60kg that’s a five per cent loss. All in all, that one litre of on-board fluid has to work very hard…