No Impact of Heat Stress and Dehydration on Short Duration Simulated Motor-Racing Performance

Motor-racing drivers are often exposed to hot environments and may be susceptible to fluid loss and hydration issues, which could influence driving performance. This study assessed the effect of dehydration and heat stress on performance during a short, simulated motor-racing task. Nine healthy males (age: 26.6 ± 7.5 y, body mass: 78.8 ± 12.5 kg, mean ± SD) completed two passive dehydration (sauna) procedures (targeting -1% and -3% body mass loss (BML)) on separate occasions. Driving performance was assessed pre-dehydration (Baseline), immediately post-dehydration (Hot) and following a cooling period (Cool). Measures of driving performance included lap time and sector-time for one section of the track. Subjective ratings of mood, thermal stress and comfort were also collected during trials. Mean lap times were not different between Baseline, Hot, Cool conditions for both 1% (68.44 ± 1.43 s, 68.06 ± 1.17 s, 68.23 ± 1.25 s) and 3% (68.33 ± 1.68 s, 68.01 ± 1.15 s, 68.06 ± 1.26 s) trials respectively. In addition, mean sector times were not different between Baseline, Hot, Cool conditions for both 1% (11.61 ± 0.28 s, 11.55 ± 0.45 s, 11.59 ± 0.35 s) and 3% (11.49 ± 0.33 s, 11.56 ± 0.33 s, 11.63 ± 0.71 s) trials respectively. Changes in participants' subjective ratings (i.e. decreased alertness, concentration and comfort; increased tiredness and light-headedness) were observed at both levels of dehydration (1% and 3% BML), irrespective of heat stress. Thus, fluid loss and heat stress are unlikely to affect driver's motor-racing performance during short duration events. However, the impact of dehydration and heat stress on tasks of longer duration that accurately represent the demands associated with motor-racing requires further consideration.