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 GSK-McLaren Infographic

The McLaren Honda team has a new secret weapon for the start of the F1 2015 season in Australia: GSK Human Performance Lab science.

McLaren Honda and the GSK Human Performance Lab (GSK HPL) have agreed to a comprehensive research program that will lead to the development of tailored strategies and performance optimisation for the team.

McLaren Honda’s drivers and mechanics will undergo a series of physiological and cognitive assessments in the GSK HPL and at select Grands Prix throughout the season to help improve their performance.

McLaren Honda’s drivers will use a drink in their McLaren Honda MP4-30 F1 cars during every Grand Prix that has been specifically designed for them by the GSK HPL team. The unique formulation helps ensure they stay at peak condition during the demands of a Grand Prix weekend.

The drink, which has been developed by working with the drivers over a period of months, contains a personalised glucose and electrolyte formulation. This provides their placement of fluid and salts lost when racing and the maintenance of blood glucose to enhance performance. It is specifically formulated for the drivers, as sweat-rate and fluid loss vary greatly between individuals.

Last month McLaren Honda mechanics undertook a series of body composition, cognitive, physiological and strength assessments in the GSK HPL. The assessments were carried out over a two-day period to gain a thorough and detailed analysis of the team.

Each mechanic was then given a personalised nutrition and fitness plan in order to help them prepare in the best possible way for the long season ahead. The plan helps the team better deal with extremes of climate, travel, time zones and periods away from home that impact on their performance. The tests help identify key areas for individuals and to start to build new strategies in sleep, travel, nutrition and fitness to cope. The team will visit the GSK HPL for follow-up assessments throughout the season.

The GSK HPL carries out research with elite performers - athletes, sports teams, extreme explorers - to help develop improved training, recovery, nutrition and competition programmes for partners. In return, the research helps GSK develop products that better meet the healthcare needs of consumers and informs wider GSK research. Research partners include the Olympic medal-winning Brownlee brothers and the RFU.

“The whole McLaren Honda team – from mechanics to drivers - is under extreme pressure to perform at every Grand Prix,” said Mark Langley, GSK HPL general manager. “Our aim is to help the team better understand the science behind their performance, enabling them to perform at the highest level possible over the course of a long, gruelling F1 season.”