Every Friday we ask resident Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Tweeter @TheFifthDriver to take your questions for #SocialFriday. Here's a few of the best questions from Friday at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with answers in full from our mysterious F1 micro-blogger:
@Hoppo_360: “How much drinking fluid do the cars carry for the drivers?”
“Simple answer: not much! The car is fitted with a 750ml plastic bladder, situated in a panel behind the seat, that is filled with a special Lucozade hydration formulation before the start of the race. The driver drinks the liquid through a plastic tube, activated using a mechanical pump by pressing a button>@ADaveMartin: “How much fluid do you expect the guys to lose during the race?”
“At a hot race, about 2-3kg in body weight. Again, that's why hydration during a race is so important. Broadly speaking, drivers need to start taking>@katemackay55: “At pitstops do the drivers have their own mechanics or 1 team for both?”
“This is an interesting question. Obviously, during the grand prix, we’ll title="Learn more about Jenson Button" href="http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/jenson-button/">Jenson and Checo.
“During practice and qualifying, the situation differs: we often run respective car crews. Checo’s crew might work alone to change his tyres in the pitlane if Jenson’s car is being serviced inside the garage, for example. In such a situation, a stop takes a little longer as each crew member is doing more than>@neiljhk: “Serious question; how does a track 'mature'?”
“You’re asking why I felt Sepang had ‘matured’ into a great racetrack. It’s more of a subjective thing: most racetracks achieve greatness through the weight of history. Ask any Formula 1 historian to name the sport’s greatest tracks and they’ll invariably point to Monza, Monaco, the old Nurburgring. Possibly Silverstone and Spa. These are the great racetracks of old, where the ghosts of the past can still be felt>@cap_serrat: “How many people are around Checo and Jenson at each GP?”
“Not many. Checo’s manager attended the opening race in Australia, as did Jenson’s manager, Richard. Jenson’s dad John also attends all his son’s races, but neither driver has a big entourage.
“Obviously, both drivers’ trainers – Mikey and Antti – are also constant companions.”