**Carlos Sainz Discusses His Jet Lag-Busting Routines Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix**
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As the Formula 1 season continues its globe-trotting tour, Carlos Sainz Jr., the driver for Williams Racing, has opened up about his essential routines that help him combat jet lag and maintain his performance. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, the Spanish racer shared his non-negotiable habits that he implements upon landing in a new country.
Sainz, who is known for his structured approach to both racing and life, emphasised that physical activity is pivotal to his arrival routine. “Sport is non-negotiable for me,” he told PEOPLE. “Once I land, the first thing I do is get a good sweat going. It’s almost instinctual. By breaking a sweat, I manage to shake off the jet lag and relieve the discomfort in my legs and body.”
Following his workout, Sainz follows up with a refreshing shower, which he believes resets his mind and body for the day ahead. “After the shower, it’s all about grooming,” he explained. “That sequence makes me feel fresh, almost like having a restart. A bit of jet lag may linger by the day’s end, but it sets me up for a decent day.”
When it comes to his preferred sports, Sainz revealed that his choice often varies based on the circumstances. He particularly enjoys padel, a racquet sport that has surged in popularity. “It’s a great way to stay active,” he remarked. “Playing with friends or teammates adds a competitive element that I thrive on. It’s intense enough to get the heart racing but not too strenuous for my first day in a new place.”
In addition to padel, Sainz relies on golfing as another effective sport for managing jet lag. “For me, golf is soothing,” he said. “Spending four hours outdoors, walking on green grass, keeps me engaged, while the sunlight does wonders for my mood and fatigue levels.”
Beyond his physical activities, Sainz also engages in mental preparation before travelling. Formula 1 races span five continents and 21 countries, and adjusting to various time zones can pose a real challenge. To mitigate the effects of jet lag, he shared a tactic that he finds helpful. “Before I fly, I mentally prepare by shifting my mindset to the time zone of my destination,” he explained. “Changing the time on my phone or watch to that of my next stop allows me to align my daily habits with the new timezone.”
Sainz’s strategy involves adjusting his eating and sleeping schedule in accordance with the local time, which he believes gives him a head start on combating jet lag. “I try to eat, sleep, and even drink coffee at the hours I would in the country I’m headed to,” he advised. “This way, you feel as if you’ve already gained a day in advance, making the adjustment easier.”
Currently, Sainz is in France attending the Cannes Film Festival, representing L’Oreal Paris as a brand ambassador. His packed schedule includes engagements such as the ‘Lights on Women’s Worth’ event on May 22. This social excursion comes just on the heels of his recent participation in the Miami Grand Prix, where he finished in ninth place.
Looking ahead, Sainz and Williams Racing are preparing for their upcoming challenge at the Canadian Grand Prix, which will take place from May 22 to May 24 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. As he gears up for the next race, Sainz’s commitment to maintaining his wellbeing amidst the grueling demands of a Formula 1 season is nothing short of inspiring.
As drivers like Sainz adapt to the rigours of international travel and competition, their routines not only highlight the importance of physical fitness but also the significance of mental resilience in high-stakes sports. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these habits help Sainz excel in one of the sport’s most challenging seasons yet.