Unusual Mercedes Singapore GP strategy revealed

Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes has hired a NASA doctor to help the team deal with this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. 

The Singapore GP is one of the most demanding races on the calendar, in regard to both the high temperatures but also the session times. 

Traditionally, the race at the Marina Bay Circuit sees drivers deal with temperatures well over 30 degrees Celsius. Heat and humidity are a battle for all in the paddock. 

It is, of course, a night race, which links to why Mercedes has hired a NASA doctor. 

As revealed by the Mercedes team principal, a NASA doctor has been hired to help the outfit maintain its sleep patterns. 

Despite Singapore being six hours ahead of central Europe, all the teams stick to the European time zone. As a result, a lot of the daytime is slept through.

“You have to stay physically and mentally fit, otherwise you have no chance,” Wolff told OE24. 

“We have also hired a NASA doctor who makes our sleep plans and helps us to maintain our European sleep-wake rhythm. 

“We race (and also practice and qualifying, followed by interviews, briefings, etc.) at night. That means you go to bed at four in the morning and sleep until the afternoon. 

“That means we don’t see much of the sun – it’s a huge strain for everyone in this entourage.”