The roar of engines, the blur of cars speeding by, the palpable tension in the air – these are the hallmarks of motorsport that have captivated audiences for decades. However, beneath this high-octane world, a transformation is occurring that challenges long-held notions of masculinity and redefines what it means to be strong.

As someone who has spent years in the racing industry, I have been on the front row of this evolution. The change is pushing our sport to be more inclusive, emotionally intelligent and, ultimately, more human.

The crucible of high-stakes racing

The pressure cooker environment of motorsport provides a unique lens through which to examine masculinity. In those crucial moments (lap 52 of a 54-lap race, one corner left to overtake) we see the drivers pushed to the absolute limit, both physically and mentally.

It is in these high-risk situations where we often witness what I call the “testosterone spike.” That primitive, guttural competitiveness takes over and sometimes, unfortunately, emotional intelligence takes a backseat. This is why risky maneuvers are sometimes described as “crazy” or “immature.”

But what distinguishes champion drivers is not immaturity or madness. It is the result of making split-second decisions in an environment where winning and losing are separated by fractions of a second. The challenge for today’s runners is to maintain that competitive edge while also developing the emotional tools to process these intense experiences in a healthy way. Surprisingly, we see more and more drivers doing exactly that.

From pre-race meditations to post-race mental health reports, the modern runner is redefining what it means to be “tough.”

Breaking down the walls of traditional masculinity

Historically, racing has been the epitome of machismo, an area where bravery and physical toughness reigned. In the 1970s and 1980s, legends like James Hunt embodied this stereotype and wore a patch that read “Sex: Breakfast of Champions.” The prevailing attitude was “drive fast, party harder,” with little room for vulnerability or introspection.

Today’s drivers, however, are breaking down those outdated stereotypes, revealing a more nuanced image of strength that incorporates vulnerability and emotional intelligence. I remember a recent conversation with a young Formula 1 driver at a team event. When I asked him about his biggest challenge in the sport, he responded with surprising honesty: “I was emotionally and mentally destroyed.” He went on to explain that he started young and was mostly fine during the first season. But after experiencing negative interactions on social media, his mental health began to deteriorate and the team provided him with a performance coach to overcome challenges off the court.

This kind of candor about mental health would have been unthinkable a decade ago. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come in recognizing that true strength lies not in suppressing emotions, but in recognizing and addressing them head-on.

Building a support system

One of the most significant changes is the increasing emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being within racing teams. Performance coaches and sports psychologists are now integral parts of the driver’s environment.

Take Lewis Hamilton for example. His performance coach, Angela Cullen, is constantly present at races and is often seen racing alongside him on his scooter. This openness about the need and value of emotional support sends a powerful message to aspiring racers and fans alike.

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Teams are also investing heavily in comprehensive support systems for their drivers. From nutritionists and personal trainers to mental performance coaches, the goal is to develop not only faster drivers, but also more well-rounded, emotionally intelligent athletes.

As one Formula 1 team manager said: “Peak performance is about nurturing the whole person: mind, body and spirit.”

The power of vulnerability

Perhaps the most profound change I have witnessed is the increasing willingness of drivers to show vulnerability. It takes great courage to talk openly about fears, insecurities and mental health issues, especially in an environment that equates vulnerability with weakness.

But the truth is, vulnerability is strength: it takes a lot more courage to admit you’re struggling and seek help than it does to bottle it all up inside. And when high-profile racers speak openly about their challenges, it gives others—fans, aspiring drivers, even people outside the racing world—permission to do the same.

This change is having a ripple effect throughout the sport. From pit crews to engineering teams, there is growing recognition that emotional intelligence and open communication are as crucial to success as technical skills.

The road ahead

While we have made significant progress, there is still work to do. The lack of female drivers at the highest levels remains a glaring problem. Imagine the seismic shift that would occur if we had more women competing (and succeeding) in Formula 1. It would challenge not only our notions of masculinity, but our entire conception of what a racing driver should be.

This continued evolution of gender roles in racing extends beyond the cockpit. Just as drivers are redefining masculinity through their actions and attitudes, we are witnessing a parallel shift in the way the sport is presented to the world. Gone are the days when cars were covered in cigarette and beer logos – masculine-coded products aimed squarely at male consumers. Today’s sponsors reflect a broader understanding that the appeal of racing extends far beyond traditional masculine stereotypes.

As careers evolve, they can serve as a model for other industries struggling with outdated notions of masculinity. By embracing vulnerability, prioritizing mental health, and breaking down gender barriers, we can redefine what it means to be strong, resilient, and successful.

The journey we undertake is not always easy. There are still moments of regression, moments when old habits and attitudes resurface. But with each passing season, I see more and more evidence that we are headed in the right direction.

In the end, this evolution is not just about creating better drivers or more successful teams. It’s about fostering a more inclusive, emotionally intelligent and humane approach to competition and success. And that is a goal worth running for.