This qualitative study examined the psychological demands of Formula One Racing, and the psychological skills former Formula One drivers utilized to meet those demands. The participants were nine former drivers, from six different countries, who have competed in at least one Formula One World Drivers Championship grand prix. The qualitative data were gathered using a semi-structured interview framework, developed by the researcher, to explore the psychological skills established from other validated psychological skills questionnaires, such as the Test of Performance Strategies, (Thomas, Murphy, & Hardy, 1999). Eight of the interviews were done via Skype, and one interview was performed in person. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and then sent to the participants to make any edits or corrections. Once the transcriptions were approved, the data were coded by the researcher using constant comparative methods as described in Charmaz (2006). Three phases of coding resulted in four themes and 14 sub-themes. The themes that emerged include: (1) Applied Sport Psychology in Formula One, (2) Psychological Skills, (3) Uncontrollable Aspects of Competition, (4) Career Components. Drivers used various psychological skills in a focused effort to aid their performance. Drivers discussed the important role psychology plays in their sport, and the psychological resources available to them during their career. Drivers discussed the danger element of their competition, and how they and their competitors managed the fear associated with racing. The drivers in this study competed in an era that was much more dangerous than the current era of Formula One racing (Barnes, 2013). The drivers' use of psychological skills, and perceptions of sport psychology, may guide consultants working with race car drivers and those working with other populations that have similar psychological and physical demands. / Kinesiology

The aim of this master’s thesis is to evaluate the effect of shock absorber on vehicle limits. At the beginning of the thesis, shock absorber properties were described. Then computational model was created and manoeuvres for shock absorber behaviour were defined. Created mathematical model is based on quarter model of a car and excitation in form of road with a random profile is an essential part of the model. This model was used for evaluation of heave. After heave analysis, shock absorber behaviour during drive was investigated. Drive conditions were defined as set of handling manoeuvres. For the drive investigation, complete multibody virtual model of racing car was used. Based on drive investigation analysis, optimal damping characteristics for each manoeuvre were found. Furthermore, each optimal characteristic was compared for different manoeuvres. Obtained results were compared. As a conclusion, compromise damping characteristic was suggested with the aim to fit the combination of all defined drive conditions. Final part of the thesis was aimed at validation of the computational model. Data measured during real drive were used as an input for this validation.