Why is racing in the rain so difficult? - with Mika Hakkinen

In F1, rain always means drama. Drivers fight to stay on track. Their skills are pushed to the limits. Why is steering, braking, and racing so much harder in the rain? Formula Why has the answers.

After a quick guide to F1's wet weather tyres, motorsport scientist Dr Diandra Leslie-Pelecky explains why it's so hard to keep control on a wet racetrack.

Haas F1 Team Race Engineer Mark Slade tells us why F1 teams have to put total faith in their drivers when the rain comes down.

Plus, double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen returns to explain why rain tests a driver's body, mind and reflexes and what it takes to win races in the rain.

Check out other episodes of Formula Why. Scroll through the feed or use the links below:

Why are pit stops so important?

Why do F1 teams need simulators?

Why are street circuits the ultimate test? with Mika Hakkinen + Bernie Collins

Tyres, points + car set-up - Your Questions Answered

Why do F1 drivers need to be so fit? with Alexander Rossi + Vettel's former trainer

Why does the USA have 3 F1 races in 2023?

Why is F1 Sprint such a challenge? with Kevin Magnussen

Send your F1 questions to Katie and Christian! Record or write them, and send to [email protected]

Thanks for listening. Please leave us a rating and a review. Share the show to help other F1 fans learn more about the sport we all love using #FormulaWhy

For more F1 podcasts, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid and F1 Nation

Release date

Lydbog: 2. juni 2023