One of the old adages of motorsport is that smooth is fast. As agreed with by a host of successful pros including Joey Hand, Scott Pruett and Andy Lally, smooth is the way to get around a track. Racing cars are typically highly-strung machines with a temperament of their own and often respond best to those who try to cajole them. However, as the aforementioned drivers begin to shed light on the idea of smooth driving, it appears to be more than a simple black-and-white issue.

Smooth driving not only keeps the driver relaxed which allows for cautious, reasonable driving, but it is typically best on the tires and often the best way to get a car through a longer race. While this approach is great for making tires work over a long distance, it isn’t always the quickest way to get tires up to temperature. In Formula One, Jenson Button is known for his smooth, economical style but has the occasional off-day due to his inability to get the tires up to operating temperature as quickly as his more aggressive peers.

All top drivers are very economical with their steering inputs.

Smooth driving is usually easier on the mechanical components of the car, which was a very important aspect of driving in the past. Niki Lauda was known for his ability to make a car last the length of a race in a period when the cars were especially fragile. While this relatively cautious approach wouldn’t always mean the outright fastest lap, it could mean the best overall performance from both the car and driver. Modern racing cars are much more resilient than their predecessors and modern drivers are typically much fitter than those of the past. This means that a race filled with qualifying-pace laps is possible; both the driver and equipment can endure the demands put on them.

Overall, driving a racing car is a balancing act that does not necessarily appreciate untamed aggression. Economical, smooth driving and deliberate, measured inputs is generally a great way to drive, but there are situations which are best addressed with a different approach. All racing drivers understand the merits of smooth driving, but relatively minor adjustments to style depending on the circumstances can mean winning or losing.