Who better to coach you through an adrenaline spike than the men who live life at 250mph? Whether you’re trying to be the best version of yourself or just get through a work presentation without bursting into tears, here are some tips and tricks from the best on the track.

Charles Leclerc
Formula 1 driver, Ferrari

I wasn’t born with the ability to keep cool under pressure. When you do something new or go into the unknown, pressure builds because you don’t know what to expect. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more your body adapts.
When I was 12 years old, I went to a centre in Italy where I had a helmet put on my head that would measure brain waves. It’s incredible to understand what goes through your mind; not the actual thoughts, but whether you’re tense, stressed or relaxed. That’s really where I started to understand the mental state I needed to be in before I got into a car — or perform 100 per cent in any situation.

Some tension is required to be fully ready for an important moment, whatever it is. Being able to reach a flow state — to have a free mind — is probably what differentiates good nerves from bad ones. You can be tense without overthinking.
Breathing is the most powerful thing for me. Controlled techniques help me to reset and centre myself before getting into the car. Music, too. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I actually really enjoy listening to my own music. Most of the time it’s piano, so it’s quite calm.

You can never be sure things are going to go to plan. It’s about reacting in the least harmful way. I try not to be driven by emotion — because when it runs high, it can lead you to make bad decisions. Take the time to process the emotions, to understand the way you feel and, once you do, then you can make a calm choice.
Routine helps me reset. Before I get into the car, I take a cold bath and jump rope. It allows me to reconnect with myself and put more attention on how I feel.

Charles Leclerc is a L’Oréal Paris Ambassador

António Félix da Costa
Formula E driver, Jaguar TCS Racing

Always focus on the next task. I work on it with my mental coach — it’s not worth it to think too far ahead.

I’m a big fan of accountability. Of owning up to your decisions, your mistakes and successes. It’s also important to know what you’re good at and delegate jobs to people who are better than you. I don’t try to control everything in my car — I try to understand it and drive it as best I can. Empower the people around you and you’ll have massive long-term benefits.

“Can I come back from this? I always have" - António Félix da Costa

When you make mistakes, it’s very difficult not to spiral. You keep hitting yourself about it for a few days. But experience is one way to try to transform that into motivation. I’ve had some tough moments in my career and it’s made me a tough man. I’ve asked myself, “Can I come back from this?” I always have. Honestly, when I’m knocked down these days, I just rub
my hands. I love being in that position.

Outside opinions from my close circle are welcome. I love hard criticism — if it’s constructive, I don’t mind it. That’s the only way to evolve, improve and get better at things.

Carlos Sainz Jr
Formula 1 driver, Williams

Confidence comes from the work you do before. I always say that when I’ve been disciplined and prepare for that moment when I’m under pressure, I always feel calm. The controllables are controlled.

Still, if I don’t feel nervous or excited, I feel like I’m not going to perform. I have a warm-up before a race: drills, burpees and some reflex games to get my heart rate really high. If I feel like I’m too nervous, then I’ll take five or 10 minutes just to breathe. But if I’m feeling too calm, I tell myself: “This is the most important race of your life.”

I’ve worked with psychologists who helped me understand myself; I have no shame admitting that. This sport requires a lot of reflective thinking and honesty, as well as self-work and self-criticism. Was I actually the best version of myself in that race, or did I leave anything on the table? You also need a good team around you, who you can tell you when you’re not being the best version of yourself.

You don’t need to tell anyone all your insecurities or the things you’re being lazy about. We all know deep down when we’re not being good enough, when we haven’t been disciplined enough. Don’t lie to yourself. Be analytical, break them down into little pieces and build them back up again. When you arrive at the next important moment of pressure, you will see results.

Carlos Sainz Jr is a L’Oréal Paris Ambassador

Originally published in Esquire UK