re: Are F1 drivers athletes?

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Have you seen the forces that they endure or the cardio that is required to stay sharp during those races

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Sure, but rational people aren't comparing it to sitting on the couch or driving to the store on a beer run. They're comparing it to what other famous athletes do - run, jump, lift, throw, swing, etc.

How would these F1 drivers do if you put them on a bicycle and made them race in the Tour de France? Keep in mind that things like vision, reflexes, coordination and focus would presumably transfer over. They would get left in the dust because of the whole muscle and stamina thing.

I think it's fair to say racecar driving is more of a skill than athleticism. It probably requires more athleticism than the average person realizes but it's not comparable to what we see in the olympics or the Super Bowl.