Formula 1 drivers demonstrate superior concentration and confidence compared to Formula 2 drivers

This study represents the first investigation of psychological skills in Formula 1 (F1) and Formula 2 (F2) drivers, addressing a critical gap in motorsport psychology research. Ten professional drivers (5 F1, 5 F2; all male; age = 24 ± 4 years) completed the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) assessing seven psychological domains, with independent samples t-tests comparing groups using Cohen’s d effect sizes. Although total ACSI-28 scores showed no significant difference (p = 0.47), F1 drivers demonstrated superior concentration (M = 9.4 vs. 6.8, d = 1.31, p = 0.03) and confidence/achievement motivation (M = 11.2 vs. 9.6, d = 1.60, p = 0.04). Medium effect sizes favoured F1 drivers for coping with adversity (d = 0.63) and peaking under pressure (d = 0.56), while F2 drivers showed advantages in goal-setting (d = 0.34) and freedom from worry (d = 0.22). Elite motorsport performance is distinguished by specific psychological capabilities that relate to the demands of high-pressure competition. F1 drivers’ marked advantages in concentration and confidence suggest these domains are critical determinants of success at motorsport’s pinnacle. The pattern of F2 advantages in systematic preparation (d = 0.34, non-significant) alongside F1 superiority in pressure response suggests a preliminary hypothesis of developmental progression in psychological skill emphasis that warrants further investigation. These findings provide evidence-based foundations for talent development and targeted interventions in elite motorsport.