Must Have Attributes For Motor Racing Drivers

Many of the most exciting racing talents to come out of the UK in recent years display a similar range of racing attributes. These attributes will mark out these drivers as future champions, outstanding talents with an aptitude for success.

Some of the attributes can be assigned to natural talent alone, whilst others can be learned and honed with commitment and dedication. But all will define drivers as the ones to watch and the ones with the ability to succeed.

Apart from simply being an awesome driver (which has to be a given!) here are my top five attributes for motor racing drivers who will be future champions.

#1 Passion

This is a must-have. With a long road of hard work ahead, only the most passionate drivers will survive the rigours and high and lows of the circuits. Even if a driver is ambitious, fresh and undeniably talented, they will have to be extremely passionate about the sport to succeed.

#2 Dedicated to training

The most dedicated racers will train incredibly hard and remain committed to a strict fitness programme, playing sport to remain mentally sharp and physically alert.

A comprehensive training programme will form a major element of a driver’s preparation for the season ahead and the next race. Coupled with a personalised nutritional programme drivers are kept in peak condition to withstand the pressures and physical demands of the sport.

#3 A team player

The best drivers will understand the complexities of modern racing and race car engineering, in order to work successfully as part of a team and relay feedback productively to the engineers. All of this demands a team work ethic and the ability to work alongside others.

#4 Exceptional level of knowledge

The ability to learn, adapt and show exceptional levels of knowledge is a must. To be able to study, learn and mentally prepare for circuits and race plans is expertise a driver will require, all of which needs to be handled under intense pressure when racing, and even practicing.

Many drivers are young but need to show exceptional levels of experience and knowledge in order to ensure a successful career remains ahead.

#5 A bit media savvy

Considering the rising media expectations and prevalence of social media, any young up and coming sports star has to be a bit media savvy nowadays.

A rising motor racing star needs to be articulate, media-astute and value their own “brand” just as much as that of their sponsors and partners. The driver will not only need to produce results on track, but be at natural ease in front of the camera, delivering brand messages through interviews, product placement and other activities. The goal is to be as eloquent, expressive and as comfortable delivering off-track as he is behind the wheel.

Take a look at Harry Tincknell Racing – a rising star of formula 3 and racing for Carlin in the 2012 Cooper Tires British Formula Three International Series.