Lucozade launches two bespoke drink formulations designed specifically to hydrate the team and its drivers in hot humid race environments
Even on a cool day, a Formula 1 car is among the most hostile man-made environments the human body can occupy. Besides the extreme noise and vibration, the body takes a constant battering from the forces of acceleration, deceleration and cornering: in a typical 4G corner a human head, enclosed in a helmet, can weigh the equivalent of 24kg. To fight those forces and thrive in a two-hour race is a supreme athletic achievement.
In the heat and humidity of Malaysia, where the cockpit temperature can reach 50C over the course of 310 hard-fought kilometres on race day, the drivers are genuinely exploring the limits of human performance. Even the typical late afternoon downpours bring little respite.
In the years since the Malaysian Grand Prix joined the F1 calendar in 1999, the thermal parameters of the mechanical elements of the car – engine, gearbox, hydraulics, and so on – have become well enough understood for retirements through overheating to be relatively rare. The engine, by its very nature, has a high operating temperature that can be managed without too much effect on the car’s aerodynamic performance.
In contrast, when the human body goes above its normal temperature range in an F1 cockpit, its natural coping mechanisms are rapidly overwhelmed. As it tries to cool itself down it loses fluid and minerals – during the Malaysian Grand Prix a driver can lose up to 4kg in fluid, which is around five per cent of their total body weight. With their heart rate still at 80 per cent of its maximum, the driver loses energy and concentration. By the time they realise this is happening, it’s too late.
This weekend, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will use two new Lucozade formulations developed specifically by GlaxoSmithKline’s scientists. Lucozade Hydration Formulation contains a precise and scientifically determined mix of essential hydration salts, carbohydrates and proteins to support the optimal performance of the whole team. Lucozade Race Formulation aids performance in high temperatures and extreme G-forces, while also addressing the specific needs of speedy absorption, weight management and driver alertness.
“Hydration in the cockpit is extremely important,” says Jenson Button, “and I know that only too well from a past experience during the Malaysian Grand Prix when my fluid bottle broke. That meant I couldn’t take on any liquids during one of the hottest and most physically difficult race on the calendar. By the end of the race, I was in pretty bad shape – which just goes to show that, without proper hydration, your performance and your abilities behind the wheel are severely compromised.
“I’m really pleased that the team has worked closely with Lucozade’s scientists, and it’s great that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has its own unique formulations – both in and out of the cockpit. I think our race formulation will be a really important asset: not only will it keep us refreshed and hydrated during races, but it should also improve our concentration and decision-making abilities in the cockpit.”
A body weight loss of just two per cent will have a detrimental effect on performance. So, since the capacity of the in-car drinks bottle is limited to one litre, every drop has to count. The new Lucozade formulations have carefully balanced levels of sodium and carbohydrate, enabling them to be rapidly absorbed across the gut wall. With the driver strapped in tightly, it’s essential for the drink to do its work quickly. “The speeds and the harness can make having any fluid in your stomach really uncomfortable,” says Jenson.
Sodium also helps to replace lost salts while the carbohydrates are rapidly assimilated to provide energy. The Lucozade Race Formulation, which the drivers prefer in blackcurrant flavour (it’s also available in cherry - the drivers’ choice for Hydration Formulation – tropical and orange), also contains caffeine to aid concentration.
The collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline is ongoing, and feedback from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes trackside team will help to further optimise the new Lucozade formulations as the season progresses. In a sport where attention traditionally focuses on technical performance, this is an exciting new development in the similarly essential field of human high performance.
“It’s important to remember that, during a grand prix, the whole team acts as one,” says Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh. “And this will be a significant benefit to the hydration, fitness and focus of the engineers and mechanics who are all under considerable physical and mental pressure during the race. At a race like the Malaysian Grand Prix, that will be crucial – it’s one of the toughest events on the calendar, and a race where good hydration, coupled with driver fitness, can have a significant impact on the result. I’m extremely pleased at the first results of this collaboration, and I’m excited by the potential that lies ahead as we continue to develop the formulations.”
* Official photos and report courtesy of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes *
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
As the F1 W03 car makes its official debut this morning, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS is delighted to confirm a new partnership with ISOFOTON, a specialist in the design, manufacture and delivery of solar energy solutions.
Based at the Andalusia Technology Park in Malaga, Spain, ISOFOTON began operations in 1981 producing photovoltaic cells based on silicon wafers. Thirty years on and now employing close to 800 people, the company expects to increase its manufacturing capacity to one GW over the next three years. The company’s mission is to be the world’s leading developer of solar energy solutions, providing an efficient, clean and economical source of energy. Its innovative products include solutions for the automotive industry such as electric vehicle solar charging stations and batteries.
The partnership agreement sees ISOFOTON branding feature on the helmet visors of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS said: “We are very pleased to confirm our new partnership with ISOFOTON and to welcome them to the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team. Formula One is frequently the proving ground for new technologies, both automotive and on a wider scale, and we are always pleased to partner with companies who share our innovative approach and excitement about revolutionary technologies. ISOFOTON, at the forefront of solar energy solutions, provides the perfect match at a time when the Formula One community, including MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, are working to make our sport more environmentally efficient and socially relevant.”
Ángel Luis Serrano, President of ISOFOTON said: “This strategic partnership between ISOFOTON and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team was formed through values shared by both organisations; a commitment to high quality, cutting-edge technology, and environmental sustainability. ISOFOTON is a pioneer in the PV sector and has been at the forefront of solar innovation for over 30 years, and we look forward to entering Formula One with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS as the sport enters an era of improved environmental efficiency.”
About ISOFOTON
ISOFOTON is a pioneer in the design, manufacture and delivery of solar energy solutions and has been transforming sunlight into an efficient, clean and competitive energy source for over 30 years. Its innovative products include solutions for the automotive industry such as electric vehicle solar charging stations and batteries. The global company was founded in 1981 in Malaga, Spain. Today ISOFOTON employs close to 800 people and expects to increase its manufacturing capacity to one GW over the next three years. The company´s photovoltaic modules are installed in projects in more than 60 countries, spanning every continent. ISOFOTON continues to grow worldwide through its commitment to cutting-edge technology, the best quality, personalised service and sustainable development. This commitment is reflected in ISOFOTON´s range of solutions that put the sun to work for the benefit of humankind.
www.isofoton.com
* Official details courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS *
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
This morning’s unveiling of the new 2012 Silver Arrow in Barcelona also marked the debut for a new partnership with international lifestyle brand THOMAS SABO. As Official Jewellery Supplier to the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, THOMAS SABO will enjoy branding on the rear wing end plates and the sidepod leading edge fairing of the new F1 W03 car, which will be raced by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg this season.
THOMAS SABO is a leader in fashionable jewellery thanks to its distinctive design and high quality products; there could be no better fit with the iconic Silver Arrows. The new partnership with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS further extends a motorsport programme that includes a Mercedes-Benz team sponsorship in DTM, the world’s leading touring car series, and a personal agreement with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS driver Nico Rosberg.
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS said: “We are delighted to welcome THOMAS SABO as an official partner of our team. The unique prestige of the Silver Arrows is a perfect platform for an Official Jewellery Partner, and the company’s commitment to distinctive design and quality match our own. We hope to enjoy many successes together over the coming seasons.”
Company founder Thomas Sabo continued: “We are delighted to extend our cooperation with Mercedes-Benz. We are bound together by our passion for the dynamic world of motorsport, but even more importantly, THOMAS SABO and Mercedes-Benz both stand for excellent quality, innovation and international lifestyle. We are convinced that the team has exciting years ahead, and we are looking forward to our first win together.”
Mercedes-Benz Vice President Motorsport, Norbert Haug concluded: “We are very pleased to welcome THOMAS SABO as a team partner. Our brands, products and philosophies are a perfect fit and we already enjoy a first-class partnership in the DTM. We are looking forward to a dynamic and fruitful partnership.”
About THOMAS SABO
THOMAS SABO is an innovative and globally-renowned lifestyle brand headquartered in Lauf an der Pegnitz, southern Germany. As one of the world’s leading purveyors of jewellery, watches and beauty products, the lifestyle company is active in 66 different countries across all five continents and has in excess of 200 stand-alone shops. The list of cities across the globe with their own shops includes Berlin, Stockholm, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hong Kong all the way through to Moscow. Globally, THOMAS SABO also collaborates with more than 2,900 jewellers as well as the world’s leading airlines and airport destinations. In addition to the THOMAS SABO Sterling Silver Collection, the company has also been causing collection fever among its customers since 2006 with the more youthful THOMAS SABO Charm Club Collection with its around 500 Charm motifs from the most diverse lifestyle areas. In 2009, the company launched its own watches collection under the THOMAS SABO Watches Collection name, which was quickly followed in 2010 by THOMAS SABO’s entry into the beauty sector with the unveiling of the Charm Rose product line.
www.thomassabo.com
* Official details courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS *
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS and MIG BANK are pleased to confirm an extension to their team partnership agreement for a further two years. Founded in 2003 and based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, MIG BANK is a leading Swiss online trading bank specialising in Foreign Exchange, Bullion and CFDs.
MIG BANK has a history of success by continuous growth and became the largest Swiss bank specialising in online currency. For the 2012 season, MIG BANK branding will feature on the F1 W03 race car, the race suits of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, and on the pit crew overalls and team clothing.
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS said: “As we continue our preparations for the start of the new Formula One season, we are delighted to announce the extension of our partnership with MIG BANK. After three successful years working together, MIG BANK has been able to utilise the global platform provided by the team and Formula One to raise its profile and strengthen its brand. We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship together over the coming seasons.”
Hisham Mansour, CEO and founder of MIG BANK commented: “We are extremely pleased to renew our partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team and to continue the excellent relationship which started back in 2009. Driven by our common passion for performance and technology, this partnership reflects our forward-looking spirit and illustrates our solidity, continuous growth and dynamism. The Mercedes-Benz brand symbolises quality and innovation, which are values that we share and seek to exemplify globally. By renewing our partnership with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, we want to continue to strengthen our brand and keep the momentum building on our successful track record.”
Official photo and details courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Daimler and Google announced a deepening of their strategic partnership to provide Daimler with access to the suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) known as Google Maps API for Business for the use of cloud-based, map-related applications in Daimler vehicles and early access to other new APIs as they are developed. These applications significantly accelerate time-to-market in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The existing services, which include the Google Maps and Places APIs, will create an enhanced motoring experience for Mercedes-Benz drivers across the world.
The collaboration will enable Daimler to use Google Maps for their in-car map displays, and significantly improve their ability to quickly and seamlessly integrate useful Google services into Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. By making innovative Google products available directly within its cars, Mercedes-Benz is able to accelerate the adoption of cutting edge technologies.
Daimler has a strong history of bringing innovative solutions to market. After demonstrating their technological leadership with AMG Performance Media, an in-car telemetry system powered by AndroidTM in autumn 2011 at the launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, Daimler was named “International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree”.
Ongoing successful long-term cooperation
Google and Daimler have been working in close partnership for many years. In 2007 Daimler was the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to launch the Google “Send-to-Car” functionality in a vehicle. This gave Mercedes-Benz customers the opportunity to easily send destinations from Google Maps to their in-vehicle navigation systems. As of 2011, Mercedes-Benz offers COMAND Online, a telematics system with cloud-based Mercedes-Benz apps that brings Google Street View, Panoramio and local search technologies to most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Mercedes-Benz customers also have the opportunity to send individualized routes from Google Maps to their vehicles, as Daimler is first-to-market with the implementation of this Google service. In the second quarter of 2012 all these services will also be available with mbrace2 to Mercedes-Benz customers in the USA.
Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
