Simple test shows the staggering neck strength of F1 drivers compared to normal people and it's even wilder than you'd expect

Simple tests can reveal a lot, but one viral challenge has shown just how superhuman F1 drivers really are when it comes to neck strength.

A clip comparing an everyday person’s neck strength with that of an F1 driver has stunned millions online after the difference turned out to be far greater than most people expected.

The eye-opening demonstration quickly went viral, reminding fans that elite racing drivers are among the fittest people on the planet.

And once you see the results side by side, it’s easy to understand why.

Simple test shows the staggering neck strength of F1 drivers

A viral video shared across social media put an average person’s neck strength to the test before comparing it with that of Formula 1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

The challenge was simple.

Both participants wore a head harness connected to a resistance cable while someone steadily increased the force pulling their head.

The first volunteer began to struggle instantly, before finally giving in when the resistance climbed into the 20kg range.

Bortoleto, however, barely seemed fazed.

As the resistance continued to increase, the Brazilian driver calmly held his head in position all the way to 44kg, making the challenge look almost effortless and highlighting just how much stronger an F1 driver’s neck is than the average person’s.

The clip has racked up millions of views across social media, with many viewers left stunned by the dramatic difference.

Why do Formula 1 drivers need such strong necks?

The impressive display isn’t just for show.

Formula 1 drivers regularly experience forces of around five times the force of gravity when cornering, braking and accelerating, meaning their neck muscles have to support the weight of a helmeted head being thrown from side to side at speeds exceeding 200mph.

Without intense neck training, drivers would struggle to keep their vision stable enough to hit racing lines and braking points with the precision required at the highest level.

That’s why neck exercises are a key part of almost every F1 driver’s fitness routine, with drivers spending hours strengthening the muscles needed to withstand race-day G-forces.

A simple test shows the neck strength of F1 drivers compared to normal people 👀 pic.twitter.com/vlE62EsKAC

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) July 29, 2026

The viral comparison may only last a few seconds, but it offers a striking reminder that Formula 1 drivers aren’t just incredibly skilled behind the wheel – they’re also some of the most physically conditioned athletes in the world, with neck strength that most people couldn’t come close to matching.