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The dark side of F1 that cannot be ignored

Working in F1 is seen as a dream job. But the harsh realities of working in such a high-pressure environment, spending so much time away from loved ones, can exact a mental toll that is hard for many to open up about. That is now thankfully changing, but more still needs to be done

Jonathan Noble Feb 1, 2020, 2:29 PM

FIA president Jean Todt's recent alternative views about the stresses and strains put on Formula 1 personnel by a rapidly expanding calendar raised eyebrows from those working in the paddock

For while he is right that many in F1 enjoy a life that is the envy of millions of people who do not have access to food, water or medical facilities, equally it ignored some of the serious issues that those working hard at races go through.

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Author Jonathan Noble

Jonathan Noble is Motorsport.com’s Formula 1 editor. Having graduated from University of Sussex Jonathan worked for sports news agency Collings Sports reporting on F1, F3, touring cars and other sports, with articles appearing in The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Reuters, Autosport and other publications. In 1999 he moved to Haymarket Publishing to become a senior editor at Autosport Special Projects, and one year later he became Autosport’s grand prix editor. In 2015 he moved to Motorsport Network, becoming the F1 editor for Motorsport.com. He is also a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and sits on the FIA Media Council.