When we think about motorsport, we usually focus on the speed, skill, and precision that make it one of the most thrilling sports in the world. But beneath the surface of high-tech machinery and split-second decisions, there’s another side to racing that you might not expect: superstitions.
Just like athletes in other sports, race car drivers and teams often have quirky rituals, lucky charms, and strange habits that they believe help tip the scales in their favour. Whether it’s avoiding certain numbers, following pre-race routines, or never changing a piece of equipment if it’s led to success, motorsport has its fair share of odd beliefs. Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest superstitions in motorsport and why they persist in a sport that’s otherwise grounded in science and precision.
1. The Dreaded Number 13
Across many cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky, and motorsport is no exception. In Formula 1, for instance, the number 13 was absent for many years due to widespread superstition. It wasn’t until Mexican driver Esteban Gutiérrez bravely chose to race with the number in 2014 that it reappeared. In NASCAR, few drivers opt for 13 on their cars, and even the prestigious Indianapolis 500 refuses to assign the number to a starting grid spot. Why? No one’s exactly sure, but drivers, being creatures of habit, aren’t taking any chances!
2. Lucky socks, gloves, and helmets
Race car drivers, like many athletes, often believe that wearing a specific piece of gear can bring them good fortune. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, is rumoured to have a lucky pair of yellow gloves that he once wore during his title-winning races. Similarly, Valentino Rossi, one of MotoGP’s greatest, has a whole pre-race routine centred around his gear. Rossi always puts his right boot on first, followed by his left, and only after does he hop onto his bike.
These habits become part of the driver’s mindset, grounding them and offering a sense of control in an unpredictable sport. When you’re hurtling down a track at 200 mph, sometimes superstition feels like just one more tool in your arsenal.
3. Motorsport Rituals Before Climbing Into the Cockpit
Many drivers have a specific way they like to get into their car or bike. Some will always enter from a certain side, while others have small pre-race rituals they believe bring them luck or focus. For example, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is known for his pre-race routine of crouching beside his bike, touching the foot pegs and handlebars, and seemingly having a private conversation with his machine before every race.
This kind of ritual can serve a practical purpose, too—it helps drivers mentally prepare for the intense concentration needed on the track. But it’s also undeniably superstitious, with the belief that any deviation from the routine could lead to disaster.
4. The Curse of the Green Car
Another widespread superstition in motorsport is the “green car curse.” While the colour green might be considered lucky in some cultures, in the racing world, it’s often associated with bad fortune. The superstition dates back to the early days of racing, particularly in the United States, where green cars were believed to attract accidents and mechanical failures.
This belief is still pervasive in some motorsport circles, though it hasn’t stopped some teams from using green in their liveries. British racing cars have historically been green (British Racing Green), but in series like NASCAR, many teams steer clear of the colour just in case.
5. Avoiding Certain Days and Dates
In the world of motorsport, it’s not just numbers that can be unlucky—certain days and dates are also believed to bring bad luck. For example, some drivers are known to avoid racing or even practicing on Friday the 13th, fearing the day’s association with misfortune. Similarly, in NASCAR, the practice of signing deals on a Friday, especially the 13th, is considered a bad omen, with many teams choosing to announce sponsorships and partnerships on more “neutral” days of the week.
6. Refusing to Shave or Change Clothing
In motorsport, if something works, many drivers believe it’s best not to mess with it—even if that means avoiding basic grooming! There are stories of drivers who, after a string of good results, will refuse to shave, cut their hair, or change their underwear before a race, just to preserve the luck they feel they’ve built up.
The thought process is simple: if you win while looking a certain way or wearing a particular piece of clothing, why risk changing anything? While it may seem odd, these routines offer drivers a sense of stability, especially in a sport where so much is out of their control.
Why Do These Motorsport Superstitions Persist?
You might wonder how, in a sport so focused on engineering precision and data-driven strategy, superstitions can hold so much weight. The truth is, racing is an unpredictable and high-stress environment. Drivers are constantly on the edge, pushing their cars and themselves to the limit, often with little room for error. In this world of uncertainty, having a ritual or lucky charm provides comfort and a sense of control.
These superstitions may not actually influence race results, but they help drivers and teams feel more confident, relaxed, and focused when they need to perform at their best. At the end of the day, motorsport is as much about the mental game as it is about speed and skill, and if a pair of lucky socks or a specific pre-race routine helps drivers feel prepared, who’s to say it doesn’t work?
Motorsport superstitions may seem quirky or irrational to outsiders, but they are an important part of the culture that helps drivers and teams navigate the intense pressures of the sport. From lucky numbers to pre-race rituals, these habits reflect the mental toughness required to perform at the highest level. In a world where everything can change in a split second, sometimes it’s the little things—like putting on the right glove first—that can make all the difference.