In a project led by Swansea University’s PACE-MAP research team in direct partnership with their Pioneered Athlete Performance (PAP), the groups are working in unison to drive standards of best practice in motorsport human performance science.
As the official scientific partner of PAP, Swansea University is one of the first institutions globally to systematically conduct human research across the upper echelons of elite Formula motorsport and to have a full-time research associate dedicated to this.
Specifically, this industry-funded partnership is investigating physiological, athletic and cognitive enhancement for motorsport athlete performance (PACE-MAP).
With 24 races across 21 countries in five different continents, fine margins separate first and second place, as was evident throughout the fierce championship battles between elite teams during the 2024 season. These fine margins are often defined by split seconds.
This is why McLaren F1 championship contender Norris chose Swansea University’s Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise & Medicine (A-STEM) research centre to undergo a series of rigorous motorsport athlete performance tests.
Across a gruelling 12-hour day of assessments, Lando Norris was pushed to the limits of his physical and mental capacities under the watchful eye of a Netflix film crew, who were filming the latest series of Drive to Survive. These assessments provided a ‘360 degree’ insight into Lando’s physical performance.
Jon Malvern, Founder and director of Pioneered Athlete Performance said:
“Today showcases exactly why PAP chose to work with Swansea University A-STEM research centre and consolidate our partnership via the PACE-MAP research group.
“What draws me to invest in Swansea University and PACE-MAP, is the unique combination of world-class researchers and practitioners who offer unparalleled value and insight.
“Already, we have improved our understanding of elite driver physiology, explored methods of how to optimally prepare for race demands and acquired knowledge on the implementation of race day management strategies, such as hydration and heat stress.
“Having a deep-thinking multidisciplinary research team away from the racetrack allows me and all PAP practitioners to make better informed decisions on driver performance preparation in the field.
“This in turn allows our drivers to better withstand the hostile race environment and ensure it does not limit them from fully applying their driving abilities.”
Christian Vassallo, lecturer in sport and exercise sciences at Swansea University, who also leads the PACE-MAP research project, said:
“It was a privilege for the PACE-MAP research team to welcome Lando Norris and Jon Malvern to Swansea University and our A-STEM laboratories.
“This milestone visit reflects our ambition to pioneer standards of driver-athlete preparation within motorsport. Our research collaboration with PAP is an evolving, reciprocal partnership underpinned by our shared ethos and commitment towards the long-term developmental needs of drivers.
“Spanning a 12-hour day, Lando underwent a rigorous battery of tests, methodically selected by the PACE-MAP research team.
“Lando demonstrated the ability to tolerate extreme discomfort with outstanding physical and mental fortitude, commensurate with a ‘champion mentality’. He left us in awe of his efforts.”
With state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, Swansea University Sport and Exercise Sciences department is located on Swansea’s beach-fronted Bay Campus.
Their undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes aim to equip students with the underpinning theoretical and practical skills required to successfully and effectively work in high performance sport.
Find out more about studying sport and exercise sciences at Swansea University
[Lead image: Swansea University]
