Aston Martin F1 has opened the doors of its AMR Technology Campus to athlete Husein Alireza as part of the second episode of Maaden’s Driven to Greatness series, with team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa guiding the visitor through the physical and mental demands required of a Formula One driver.
The episode, released by the team, follows Alireza as he is immersed in the operational heart of the Silverstone-based squad. De la Rosa led Alireza through the team’s world-class gym, where drivers and mechanics alike train to meet the extreme physical requirements of the sport.
“This is where the whole team trains every day,” de la Rosa explained. “Not only race drivers, but you can also see how the mechanics train to be as fit as possible. They follow a specific training programme to be ready for the pitstops.”
De la Rosa was candid about the unique physical toll Formula One exacts on its competitors, telling Alireza that while his athletic background would serve him well, the demands of racing are distinct. “I think you would be fit enough, 100 per cent, but after one lap, you would have cramps everywhere,” de la Rosa said. “The races take two hours. Your heartbeat is normally 160 to 170bpm. Your body’s working the G-forces constantly.”
Alireza was put through a battery of assessments including reaction and coordination tests, as well as neck-strength exercises specifically designed to help drivers withstand the immense forces experienced on track. The visit culminated with exclusive access to Aston Martin’s simulator, one of the most critical tools in modern F1 development and driver preparation.
“The only thing that differs from reality is that there are reduced g-forces, but the handling of the car is the same,” de la Rosa said of the simulator. Alireza came away impressed by the depth of preparation involved. “I can see how people can spend hours of this,” he said after his session.
De la Rosa reflected on the broader purpose of the visit, emphasizing that Aston Martin’s competitive edge extends beyond hardware. “The main purpose of this trip was to show you not only the facilities, which are impressive, but also the mentality of our people,” he said. The team described its greatest strength as a culture built around continuous improvement, where every individual is committed to finding performance and unlocking greatness.
The Driven to Greatness series is produced in partnership with Maaden, the Saudi Arabian mining company that serves as an Aston Martin F1 partner. The series is dedicated to exploring the pursuit of excellence across disciplines, drawing parallels between elite sport and the relentless drive for improvement within Formula One.