Formula 1 drivers often have to spend hours behind the wheel at any one time when racing in Grands Prix for world titles.
The new F1 cars are more technical and sophisticated than ever before but the superstars sitting in the cockpits are still only human.
Lewis Hamilton and co have to endure hours at high-octane speeds so a call from nature should be the last thing on their minds.
The seven-time champion had his fair share of toilet horror in the past and will hope never to repeat his Belgian experience.
However, what can Hamilton and the rest of the drivers do if such an instance occurs mid-race? talkSPORT.com has all the details…
Do F1 drivers pee during a race?
The simple answer is yes they do.
F1 drivers can relieve themselves in their suits at any time during a race but many have strongly claimed that they wait until they return to the paddock.
Hamilton claimed for years that he never urinated during a fight for first and couldn’t go in such a high-pressure scenario.
The Mercedes superstar has now finally admitted one night in Singapore got the best of him.
However, not before, Hamilton had already spilt that his mechanic was aware that Michael Schumacher would urinate in every race.
“You’re supposed to go in your suit, but I can’t do it. I’ve never done it. But there are drivers that do,” Hamilton told The Ellen DeGeneres show in 2016.
He added: “The driver that used to drive for the team, was Michael Schumacher, I don’t know if anyone’s heard of him, but legend racing driver, but my mechanics told me he peed every single time he was in the car.”
Eight years later Hamilton finally lifted the lid on the one and only time he has broken the seal from behind the wheel.
To date, Singapore is the only race the Brit tried to tinkle as he opened up on the unfortunate experience on YouTube channel First We Feast’s iconic series Hot Ones.
“We do have a drink tube in the car, but I never drink in the car, I just forget most of the time,” he said.
“So I usually have that weight taken out. It’s only like 500ml.
“But other drivers… most drivers as far as I’m aware pee in the car.
“I’ve drunk a lot before so literally just before I get in the car, I go as many times as possible right at the last minute.
“But I just can’t bring myself to pee myself. I have once, it was Singapore. Oh god, it was like two or three years ago maybe.
“Basically, the safety car came out and I was behind the safety car, I was like, ‘I am dying’.
“And honestly, when your bladder is full with the G-force that you’re pulling, it is the most uncomfortable feeling.
“You just can’t focus on your job so I remember trying to go and I really had to force it. It’s really hard! But luckily I haven’t had to do it, only once.”
Daniel Riccardo was also quizzed about the subject during an interview with Ellen.
The former RB driver said: “I’ve never done it.
“If you have to go, you just painfully hold on until the end, but every bump, every little kerb you hit hurts.”
Most recently a number of drivers were quizzed about whether they peed in the car as part of a ‘Never Have I Ever’ series for F1’s YouTube.
Zhou Guanyu replied: “I know some drivers who did so I hope they give you an honest answer!”
Lando Norris said: “Oh no, I could never – weirdos who do that,“ before Fernando Alonso added: “I can’t…I tried [but] I can’t.”
Reigning three-time world champion Max Verstappen confessed: “It was close but never.”
Red Bull star Sergio Perez and former AlphaTauri star Nyck de Vries were among those who admitted they HAVE urinated in the car.
How do F1 drivers drink water during a race?
Hydration is key in F1 as it is in any sport with this weekend’s Grand Prix another huge physical toll on drivers.
The paddock races have to be as light as possible while remaining strong enough to withstand the high G-force.
The excess sweating means Hamilton and co. have a tube connected to their helmet that is linked to a hypotonic drink.
The fluid contains electrolytes that the drivers on the grid lose under perspiration and it’s released via a button on their steering wheels.
McLaren star Norris has revealed he doesn’t drink during a race but knows a late-race safety car can prove the biggest problem for bladder control for those who do.
“I’m sure it’s the same with everyone, he said. “Your trainer’s always giving you your water bottle and you drink and get hydrated.
“But I don’t drink at all during the race. I’ve never done it, never in Formula 1 either.
“So I never top up and that late-race safety car, I tend not to struggle as some other people do.
“I’ve heard stories of people doing it in the past and I’m happy not to be joining them.”