Diet & Food
Vegans, fast-food devotees, and everything in between — what F1 drivers eat is considerably more varied and interesting than you might expect.
Sainz has talked about cooking Spanish cuisine as something he genuinely enjoys rather than just a necessity. He's mentioned preparing traditional dishes at home in Monaco and has participated in cooking content for sponsors. His Spanish identity is important to him, and food is one of the ways he maintains that connection while living abroad.
Hamilton switched to a plant-based diet in 2017, crediting it with improved sleep, mental clarity, and physical recovery. He's been vocal about the environmental reasons too, and even made his dog Roscoe eat a vegan diet — a decision that divided fans and veterinarians alike. He's invested in plant-based food companies and uses his platform to advocate for reducing meat consumption.
In an era of ultra-disciplined athlete diets, Verstappen stands out for being relatively relaxed about food. He's talked about enjoying fast food and not following the strict dietary regimens that many of his rivals adhere to. His physique and performance suggest he can get away with it — or that natural talent and training compensate handsomely.
Pérez works with nutritionists to maintain his weight and performance while incorporating elements of traditional Mexican food. He has spoken about the challenge of maintaining Mexican culinary identity while meeting the very specific dietary demands of F1 racing, particularly weight targets. It's a balance that matters to him culturally as well as practically.