Formula 1 teams are large organisations, often employing hundreds of people across engineering, operations and management. Yet every driver also relies on a much smaller inner circle focused entirely on helping them perform at their best.

The team within the team

For Haas driver Esteban Ocon, one of the key figures in that personal performance group is Tom Clark, his performance coach. Clark works as part of the close support network built around Ocon, helping the driver prepare for the demands of modern Formula 1 and maintain the highest possible standards.

Formula1.com’s “Inside the F1 Driver’s Bubble” series explores the people whose work takes place away from the spotlight but remains central to a driver’s life. The latest feature turns its attention to the performance coach’s role and offers a closer look at how this specialist support fits into the wider operation of an F1 team.

Focused on the driver’s maximum performance

While the broader team works toward success on track, the people in a driver’s bubble concentrate on the individual requirements of the person behind the wheel. Their work forms part of the daily preparation and support structure designed to help the driver perform consistently at the highest level.

The feature continues Formula 1’s look beyond the race weekend headlines, highlighting the small cadre of specialists who work closely with the sport’s stars.