How did Formula 1 drivers combat the heat a century ago? Take a look! (video)

How did Formula 1 drivers combat the heat a century ago? Take a look! (video). How did Formula 1 drivers combat the heat a century ago?.

Dehydration and heat significantly influenced the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, but it’s not a new issue in the sport. In fact, it’s been a factor for more than a century. But how did drivers cope with these conditions back then?

As you can see in the image, the solution was quite straightforward. Teams used to provide buckets of water from the pit lane to refresh drivers inside the cockpit.

During that era of Formula 1, there were no in-car drinking systems. Therefore, teams opted for a simple yet effective solution. Drivers would approach their pit lane, and without exiting the cockpit or even coming to a complete stop, they could benefit from a splash of cold water.

Back in the golden age of racing, #Formula1 drivers didn't have any drink systems on board. And if someone got hot during the race, the solution was simple 😉👍 #José_Froilán_González & #Roberto_Bonomi 🪣 1960 Argentine Grand Prix 🏁 pic.twitter.com/5AYXG4aSlr
— automobilista⛽ (@aut0mob) December 28, 2022

The video scene above is from the Argentine Grand Prix, the opening race of the 1960 Formula 1 World Championship. The featured drivers are Argentineans José Froilán Gonzáles, in his last Formula 1 race with Ferrari, and Roberto Bonomi, a driver for Scuderia Centro Sud, a private Italian team based in Modena, founded by Guglielmo Dei.

Different eras, speeds, cars, and drivers, but this is all part of the evolution of our beloved sport. It’s sometimes intriguing to take a trip back in time.

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However, it’s essential to emphasize that this isn’t a problem to be taken lightly, given the complex historical and technological context in which we find ourselves today. Some drivers have suffered from heat and dehydration (Logan Sargeant even had to retire), and this is by no means a minor concern. It’s crucial for Formula 1 to ensure the safety of its drivers.