Meet the latest fruits of the performance partnership between GlaxoSmithKline and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: cherry and blackcurrant.

GlaxoSmithKline’s scientists have created two bespoke Lucozade formulations which will be used for the first time at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, one of the most physically demanding races in Formula 1.

Lucozade Hydration Formulation and Lucozade Race Formulation are scientifically targeted to be rapidly absorbed by the body, replacing lost salts and providing energy while ensuring optimum hydration.

“It’s important to remember that, during a grand prix, the whole team acts as one,” said Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh. “And this will be a significant benefit to the hydration, fitness and focus of the engineers and mechanics who are all under considerable physical and mental pressure during the race. At a race like the Malaysian Grand Prix, that will be crucial – it’s one of the toughest events on the calendar, and a race where good hydration, coupled with driver fitness, can have a significant impact on the result.”

Both the Hydration Formulation and Race Formulation feature carefully balanced carbohydrate and sodium levels so that they are quickly absorbed rather than sitting uncomfortably in the stomach. That’s particularly important when the driver is strapped tightly into the cockpit. The Race Formulation also includes caffeine to aid the driver’s focus and concentration.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to work on this project with Lucozade’s scientists,” said Lewis Hamilton. “Make no mistake, hydration is important: during a race, you can lose up to four kilos in fluid – that’s a significant percentage of your bodyweight, and something that can really affect your performance in the car. One of the benefits of working so closely with our human high performance team at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is that Lucozade has really tailored the taste of the drinks to our preferences.”

Indeed, a drink is only effective if the drivers and crew actually consume it, which is why the new Lucozade formulations are available in cherry, tropical, orange and blackcurrant flavours. At the moment the drivers’ favourites are cherry for the Hydration Formulation and blackcurrant for the Race Formulation – but, as with the MP4-27s, the Lucozade drinks will be continuously developed in response to Lewis and Jenson’s feedback. Who knows what the optimum flavour set-up for future races will be?