In Formula First racing, I’ve had my moments of fear, whether it’s the thought of crashing, messing up, or just the pressure of competition. But I’ve learned that fear doesn’t have to hold me back – it’s all about how I handle it.
Dealing with fear
I’ve heard experienced drivers say that once they’re in the car, all other thoughts disappear and it’s just about racing. For me, though, fear doesn’t magically vanish when I’m on the grid. I still get nervous, thinking about the first corner or making a mistake. But I’ve realised that fear just means I care, and it’s something I can work with, not against.
How I stay focused
- Setting Simple Goals
Before each race, I focus on one or two small goals like “nail the hairpin every lap” or “always keep my braking smooth.” It helps me stay in the moment and not get lost in “what-ifs.”
- Visualisation
I spend a few minutes picturing the track and going through each corner in my head. It’s weird how much more confident I feel once I’ve visualised the race.
- Breathing
When I’m on the formation lap and nerves kick in, I remind myself to breathe. Once in my grid position I breathe four seconds in, hold, then out. It’s simple but helps keep me calm and focused on the driving.
Turning fear into focus
Fear can actually help if I use it right. Instead of letting it distract me, I channel it into energy that keeps me sharp. If I start worrying about what could go wrong, I lose focus. Staying in the moment and focusing on the next corner helps me stay in control.
At the end of the day, racing is as much about mental toughness as it is about skill. Fear’s always there, but I’m learning to push through it, and that’s what’s helping me get better.
