Neil deGrasse Tyson and Lewis Hamilton explain the incredible G-forces in F1

Formula 1 is often described as the pinnacle of motorsport, but its physical demands are just as extraordinary as the technology behind the cars. During a fascinating discussion with renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton helped explain what it actually feels like to experience the immense G-forces generated by a modern Formula 1 car.

The conversation combined science with real-world racing experience, giving fans a clear understanding of why Formula 1 drivers are considered elite athletes as well as elite racers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson explains what G-force really means

Tyson began by explaining that G-force is simply a measure of acceleration. Everyone on Earth constantly experiences one G because of the planet’s gravity, even though it feels completely normal after a lifetime of living with it.

“Well, a G-force is simply an acceleration. That’s all it is. When you’re standing on Earth, you’re subject to Earth’s acceleration of 32 feet per second per second.”

He went on to compare Earth’s gravity with other environments, pointing out that astronauts experience near-zero G while orbiting the planet, while the Moon’s weaker gravity is only one-sixth of Earth’s.

“We live in 1G and no one’s complaining because we’re used to it. You go to orbit, 0 Gs because you are floating. On the Moon, you weigh one-sixth of what you’d weigh here. That’s one-sixth G.”

Tyson then noted that Formula 1 drivers regularly experience forces several times greater than normal gravity, even if only for short periods.

Lewis Hamilton describes what 5G feels like in an F1 car

The Ferrari man confirmed that the most intense forces often arrive under heavy braking, where drivers can briefly experience around five times the force of gravity.

“Yeah. So as soon as you go in the braking point, when you hit the brakes, it’s 5 Gs for a short period.”

However, the Ferrari driver explained that sustained high-speed corners can be even more physically demanding because the forces remain constant for much longer.

Using Barcelona’s famous Turn 3 as an example, Lewis Hamilton highlighted how certain corners place relentless stress on a driver’s neck and upper body.

“Like this one here, you don’t pull massive Gs because there aren’t really any high-speed corners. When we go to Spain, Barcelona, Turn 3, you pull high G for a lot longer. So your neck gets like a beating.”

Why Formula 1 drivers train like elite athletes

The seven-time world champion’s explanation highlights why Formula 1 drivers devote so much time to physical preparation. During a race, repeated braking zones and fast corners constantly load the neck, shoulders and core muscles with forces that would quickly exhaust an untrained athlete.

It is not uncommon for drivers to lose several kilograms of body weight during a Grand Prix due to the combination of heat, physical effort and prolonged concentration. Neck-specific training has therefore become one of the most important aspects of a Formula 1 driver’s fitness programme.

Acceleration works in every direction

Tyson concluded by reminding viewers that G-forces are not exclusive to Formula 1. Anyone has experienced the effects of acceleration while driving a road car, although at a much lower level.

“You can get G-forces by being on a planet. You get G-forces by speeding up. Everyone will feel this in a car, even if it’s not an F1 car. You put your pedal to the metal, you jolt back a little bit.”

He also pointed out that braking generates the same physical effect in the opposite direction, something Formula 1 drivers experience repeatedly at every circuit.

“Not only when you speed up. When you slow down.”

By combining Tyson’s scientific explanation with Hamilton’s first-hand experience behind the wheel, the discussion offered a fascinating look at one of the most physically demanding aspects of Formula 1. While television cameras capture the speed of an F1 car, they cannot fully convey the immense forces drivers battle every time they accelerate, brake and attack high-speed corners.