Formula 1 drivers reveal: these sports are contractually forbidden

Formula 1 drivers risk their lives every race weekend and in every session. They are also in peak physical condition and very active. Consequently, Formula 1 drivers often have a certain penchant for extreme and high-risk sports. However, not all the sports they would like to take part in during their free time are actually permitted – or, at any rate, only under certain conditions.

Ahead of the race weekend in Azerbaijan, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) and Alex Albon (Williams) provided fascinating insights into the otherwise rather secret details of their contracts. The topic of discussion at the drivers’ press conference ahead of the race in Baku was that Hadjar had sustained an injury whilst training during the summer break and consequently missed three races.

The sporting restrictions in Formula 1 drivers’ contracts

Above all, such absences are a bitter blow for the drivers, but of course also for the team, which needs a stand-in driver. Accordingly, most Formula 1 contracts contain specific exclusion clauses. However, these vary considerably depending on the team.

When asked about his wrist injury and certain sports he might no longer be allowed to practise, Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar said: “Next time I’ll just be more careful. I don’t have any restrictions. I’m not five years old. I just need to think twice.”

No skydiving; skiing only after the season

Charles Leclerc said with a laugh: “I’m not five years old either, but I do have a few restrictions, though not too many. And if I ask nicely, it’s usually accepted.” He then reveals a few more details: “Skydiving, for example, isn’t recommended. I’m not a big fan of it anyway, but when I did it once, they weren’t too happy about it. So I don’t do it anymore. Skiing is another one. It’s not that we’re restricted in that regard, but we’re responsible. Skiing isn’t the safest sport. So you can do it straight after the season ends, but the closer you get to the new season, the less risky the sports become.”

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Bungee jumping is also off-limits

Alex Albon, who used to be with Red Bull Racing himself, remarks: “Red Bull is perhaps a bit more tolerant when it comes to extreme sports. But they keep a bit of an eye on it with us.” That is, with Albon and Leclerc. Albon: “It’s much the same for me. I think bungee jumping is on the list too. But that’s not really my thing anyway. Skiing’s on my list as well.”