07 November 2023 , 16:01
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Lewis Hamilton's former fitness coach singled out Michael Schumacher as the pioneer of fitness training and sport science in Formula 1.
The German driver broke most F1 records on the way to becoming the most successful driver the sport had ever seen. Only Hamilton has matched his on-track achievements since the former Benetton and Ferrari star retired.
But it was the changes he made away from the track which stood out to Antti Vierula. The Finn, Hamilton's former trainer who now works with compatriot Valtteri Bottas, spoke about how he sees Schumacher as a hero for that reason.
"Michael Schumacher was one of the first drivers to introduce proper training and preparation," he told OLBG. "His ambition to get the best out of him and his team was certainly inspirational.
"I have met Michael before, but we've never spoken about those things. I read a lot about him, though, and I admire his passion a lot. It's difficult to take specifics from Michael as I wasn't exactly sure about how he prepared. But following him, and other sportspeople in general, certainly inspired me. We all learn from each other."
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Vierula is not the first to speak about how the seven-time world champion got the edge over his rivals through physical preparation. His brother Ralf Schumacher, also a former F1 driver, spoke last year about the dedication Michael had to his craft and how he forced his peers to adopt a similar approach.
And Ralf, now a pundit for the German-language version of Sky Sports F1, thinks the demands placed on F1 stars these days as a direct result of his brother's dedication may contribute to Max Verstappen walking away from the sport earlier than he otherwise might.
"One thing is certain – Max is close to his zenith and can hold it for a long time due to his age," he said. "Lewis has to do more to be at the limit, fight more for it. With Max, however, I ask myself another question: How long does he still want to play in Formula 1?
"He has already hinted a few times that he does not want to drive for another 10 years. I trust him to say at some point, 'Bye, that's it. I'll be gone!' The constant travel could be a reason. Although we had fewer races in my time, it was too much for me at the end of my career.
"One thing must not be forgotten: The whole life depends on Formula 1. It starts when you get up and stops when you fall asleep. There is not much family life. Then there is the extreme training. My brother raised the fitness level to a new level. Parties are not in there."