McLaren Applied Technologies (MAT) welcomed talented young drivers to the McLaren Technology Centre this weekend for the second instalment of its unique Performance Academy.

A group of 18 drivers with experience across all levels of motorsport were granted unprecedented access to the world-class facilities used by McLaren Mercedes drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen. The programme, which was expanded to three-days following the success of the 2013 Performance Academy, included a series of specially-designed educational workshops and physical training sessions that offered a one-of-a-kind insight into the blend of technologies, knowledge and best practice that drive motorsport success.

Speaking about the Performance Academy, Clayton Green, Manager of the Human Performance Programme, said: “The McLaren Performance Academy is about taking performance to a higher level through teaching excellence and winning strategy. It’s about building professional driving athletes.

Motorsport has developed technically through the decades, and so to have the demands on the drivers. McLaren, together with our Partners GSK and Technogym, have formulated innovative processes and strategies to ensure our drivers are in peak condition, both mentally and physically, to cope with these demands at every race.

We’re proud that we are able to share our expertise with the next generation of motorsport champions through the Performance Academy.”

Across the three days at MTC, the drivers were educated on the core race areas – physical, performance thinking and racecraft – by a host of McLaren experts. The programme saw the drivers getting to grips with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment in the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, and also learning about topics ranging from nutrition to mental recovery in a series of focused workshops.

In addition to the practical course, the drivers will undertake individual fitness and evaluation sessions, together with three further review days over the course of the year. They are also invited to form a constant dialogue with Clayton and his team, uploading their progress diaries to an online portal, which will enable ongoing development and improvement.

For more information on the McLaren Applied Technologies Performance Academy, including information on how to register your interest for future courses, please email [email protected]

McLaren Applied Technologies Performance Academy – sample day