If you have ever driven a single seat at speed the buffeting effect on the head alone is an experience. I suspect that is a reason Lewis likes to be so low. I have not been to more than 2 gps but the experience is good. My first, on a practise day, Michael Schumacher slammed his benneton into the tyres on copse. He was up and out heading to the pits for his spare as if nothing happened but he came off the track and hit the tyres in a blink. It is well known that time slows when your adrenalin runs but remember too that driver and car are as one so it must also get boring. They are probably all a bit autistic, as most of us are. No offence meant, I think we are all capable of varying degrees of this condition. While replying, not happy with Bernie and Bahrain. He should make statement that it is not ok.
Hahahahahaha… I like the reference to autism Jazz! I'd prefer to think of myself as 'single-minded' but I know what you're getting at. Seating position: In all my years the "buffeting" you mention has never been the slightest concern to me for myself without regard for the effect upon the car, but certainly is a consideration for myself as part of the driver/car package. Although buffeting is always present with an open cockpit to greater or lesser extent, it comes with the territory and is therefore something which is just accepted. That said, any buffeting is evidence of turbulence, which in turn impinges upon aerodynamics, which brings me to this: In terms of seating position, sitting as low as possible has two distinct advantages: If one thinks of driver plus car as one item, it reduces the centre of mass of the whole package. - This can be very important and is far easier for a small driver to achieve. Bear in mind that a lightweight driver will still have to weigh-in above the minimum 640kg when sitting in the car before fuel is addeed, so the deficit must be made up with ballast, which can be placed to significant advantage to help keep the centre of mass (cM) as low as possible, but also can be moved forward or backward dependant upon a driver's 'balance' preferences. As mentioned above, aerodynamics are important - very important when around 200mph; and particularly with the airbox just above and behind one's head, it is vital not to impinge upon airflow into the airbox.
