Correa’s racing essentials: American boots, a cane and BATAK lights

Juan Manuel Correa joins us for an in-depth look at his race weekend essentials. From iPads and AirPods to helmets and hats and much more, we find out what the grid can’t travel without.

The ART Grand Prix driver talks through the items that help him to navigate his weekend, including a new-look warm-up routine and some American inspired boots.

AMERICAN INSPIRED BOOTS

“My first item is one that I don’t normally have with me. I always have race boots, of course, but these are a one-off fourth of July edition. I am one of the few Americans on the grid and Sparco were kind enough to send me these. They’re beautiful boots and I love how they feel.”

BATAK LIGHTS

“These are reaction-based lights that we use for my warm-up. It has been quite difficult to adapt my warm-up routine. Previously, I was used to doing things like jumping rope, running, etc. in my warm-ups and those are things that I am unable to do now.

“Instead, we focus more on things like this. These lights work on activation and reactions, things that do not require so much movement. They make me sweat a bit and they activate my mind. We put the lights on, and I am there hitting the lights and doing something else at the same time. We are doing a lot of specialised warm-ups for the legs as well.

“It has been a challenge not just for warming up at rounds, but also for training at home. I cannot run and getting cardio in is tricky, so we have had to use our imagination.”

MUSCLE CREAM

“I have my muscle cream for the muscle rubs, which are very important at the moment. Everyone uses muscle cream, it’s very basic. We have massages before and after sessions - an activation massage and then a post-session massage for the muscles.

“When you have a weekend that is so intense, especially now with the three races, in-between the days, you have to make sure that you are as fresh as possible for the next one. So, it is really important to have a physio massage and get the toxins out of the muscles and be a bit fresher for the next day. That’s where this comes in handy, it's very important.”

MY CANE

“My cane is probably the most important item here. I am still using the cane during race weekends. I do not need it to walk, but it helps me to control the inflammation in my foot so that I am saving energy throughout the weekend and leaving all of the energy for driving. That’s why this is a pretty essential item for me.”