Secret driver: Why right mindset is key

One of the hardest personal challenges of being successful in any industry is managing expectations, and sports men and women are no different.

The modern world we live in demands results; it's all about the now. As a racing driver you have one goal and that is to be fast. Managing this appetite for success and the potential scrutiny is tough. It requires a realistic and honest approach.

Motorsport is different to most other sporting environments. In fact, it's more like Motor Business than motorsport.

It's an individual sport but the environment demands a team of people to be present if you are to achieve success. This team normally consists of a parent, a manager, a trainer and a race team of professionals.

Motorsport makes no secret of the fact young drivers have to pay their way to becoming a professional, should you be part of the select few who get that far.

This point alone is pivotal to a young driver's emotional mindset. A driver who carries little or no funding could be generically classed as hungry and driven, but underneath that so-called drive, he or she could be racked with fear of failure.

The pressure of not knowing if every time you step in the car it could be for the last time can be all-consuming. Imagine how painfully intense that pressure is for a young kid, knowing that his (or indeed, her) dream could end tomorrow.

Magnussen starred in his first F1 race © LAT

This pressure can be a serious distraction from performance.

Some drivers come with the other problem: having too much money. These individuals are in the minority but it does happen.

For some drivers this can create a diluted intensity towards their focal points. Being alongside a driver fighting for survival with little funds can highlight a lack of intensity within these drivers.

The points I'm making are well documented but nevertheless universal.

The most important aspect for all young drivers is whatever their personal situation, they must have a strong sense of self. This can be difficult at a young age because of your limited life experience.

At a young age we are impressionable and tend to be shaped by the environment we spend the most time in and by the individuals within. We are then dependent on others and thus who we choose to have around us is crucial towards how we develop.

We can't always choose who we have around us of course.

Parents play a huge role in a young athlete's life. A parent being over-involved or under-involved can have a big effect on a youngster's emotional state.

A young driver should be managing his own expectations, not the expectations of others. This is a very important aspect missed by most, especially when a driver is still developing as a human being and an athlete.

Pre-season is a particularly challenging time for drivers. For some, new relationships are quickly having to be formed with team members and engineers.

A young driver must be supported in order to be themselves. Being yourself is crucial to building a stable and honest relationship with those around you. It enables you to build respect and trust.

I have watched Kevin Magnussen and McLaren throughout pre-season, and during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

What has impressed me is how quickly the relationship has blossomed, and how courageous Magnussen has been in having the strength to be himself.

His goals have been realistic and he treated the biggest weekend of his life as if it was any other. Magnussen did not arrive and try to be a grand prix driver; he has simply tried to be the best he can be.

A relaxed and open approach has already built trust between McLaren and Magnussen © LAT

His relaxed, open and honest approach has enabled McLaren to trust him immediately and give him the space he needs to further develop as an individual.

Young drivers need to take control of their expectations by setting manageable goals. You need to have a strong sense of self and also be supported by a team that gives you the space to be yourself.

Communicating your goals and expectations is very important as this enables others to be able to support your needs and gives your 'Team You' an opportunity to trust your direction.

Having a trusting environment built on respect and honesty will give you the space to embrace your vulnerability when your expectations are not met.

Being vulnerable is part of the human make-up and if you can be supported through it you will be much better off than keeping it to yourself and suffering in silence.