Real Examples From the World of Motorsport

Introduction

Modern karting has evolved far beyond simple battles for the racing line. Today, the winner is the one who thinks faster, not just drives faster. This is why drivers and coaches increasingly turn to strategic games — chess, logic puzzles, and visual-cognitive training.

And most importantly: top F1 and international series drivers do use strategic and logical games, even if they don’t always talk about it publicly.

🟦 1. Real Examples From Motorsport

Lando Norris — logic games for a “cool head”

In interviews, Norris has emphasized that he uses logical games and decision-making exercises to manage stress. He regularly practices:

• predicting scenarios,
• fast decision selection,
• cognitive flexibility.

This is the same foundation chess develops.

Max Verstappen — “lightning-fast thinking” through puzzles

As a teenager, Max loved puzzles and mini-strategy games because they trained:

• concentration,
• pressure tolerance,
• the ability to process situations instantly.

Today, Verstappen is the best example of “pure strategic thinking at speed.”

Fernando Alonso — a strategic mindset similar to chess

Alonso has long been known as one of the most calm and calculating drivers. His sports psychologists used exercises focused on:

• reading the situation,
• choosing the right moment to attack,
• structuring decision-making.

His driving style resembles a chess game on the track — move by move.

Lewis Hamilton — visual and cognitive games

In his preparation, Hamilton has used:

• memory-games,
• small logical tasks,
• reaction-time challenges.

Not chess directly — but the structure of the training matches it.

Ferrari & Sauber Academies — mandatory cognitive training

Junior programs widely use:

• scenario analysis,
• “if–then” decision drills,
• time-limited situations,

— all of which closely mirror chess-style thinking without the board.

🟦 2. Why Chess and Strategic Games Fit Racing

Strategic perception of the race

A race is positional combat:

• identifying the opponent’s weaknesses,
• creating threats,
• preparing an attack,
• choosing the right moment to strike.

This directly mirrors the structure of a chess game.

Preparing an overtake = a combination

In chess, a combination is a series of prepared moves leading to a specific outcome.
Overtaking in racing works the same way:

• you apply pressure,
• force the opponent to change their line,
• exploit the mistake.

Top drivers rarely attack “head-on” — they create the situation.

Control of emotions and impulses

Chess teaches patience.
Racing is a sport where:

• an emotional mistake = lost position,
• impulsive overtake = contact,
• aggression without a plan = penalty or DNF.

This is why logical games build real “racing IQ.”

Time trouble = final laps

When time is running out, you must:

• make decisions fast,
• avoid panic,
• keep your thinking structured.

This is identical to the pressure of the final laps.

🟦 3. Benefits for a Coach: Teaching “Correct Thinking”

Chess gives a coach a unique decision-making model that can be transferred to the track:

1. Position evaluation — where are the strengths and weaknesses?
2. Plan selection — attack, defend, or wait?
3. Scenario calculation — 2–3 possible outcomes.
4. Decision — execute the action.
5. Analysis — why it worked or didn’t.

This teaches the student to think structurally, without chaos.

🟦 4. Conclusion: Why It Matters

Chess and strategic games:

• sharpen the mind,
• develop racing logic,
• improve decision-making in battles,
• increase emotional stability,
• build a foundation for a strategic driving style.

And most importantly — this is genuinely used in the preparation of top racing drivers.
Not as a “trend,” but as part of developing real racing intelligence.