If you caught the opening scene of the new F1 movie, you saw Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, prepping to get behind the wheel at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Right before he straps in, he knocks back a tiny blue cup. For those who missed the Easter egg, that wasn’t an energy shot—or some top-secret performance blend—it was good old Listerine.
Yes, you read that right: mouthwash. In a $200 million motorsport blockbuster.
But… why?
The Science of “Feeling Cool”: What Happens When You Rinse with Listerine?
At first glance, it seems like classic Sonny Hayes mischief—mouthwash on the grid. But the truth is, the menthol in Listerine isn’t just for fresh breath. Here’s the real story:
Menthol, TRPM8, and the Brain’s “Cold” Button
Menthol targets a unique set of nerve endings in your mouth and throat called TRPM8 cold receptors. These receptors are basically your body’s built-in “cold sensors”—they’re the same reason you shiver when you eat a mint or get goosebumps from a cool breeze.
When menthol hits these receptors, it activates them, sending a powerful signal up the trigeminal nerve straight to your brain: “Hey, things just got cooler!”
Here’s where it gets wild:
- This sensation of coolness is a neuro-perceptual trick—your core temperature stays exactly the same, but your brain gets the message that things have chilled out.
- This creates a perceived reduction in heat stress—your mind relaxes, your heart rate may even drop slightly, and you feel sharper, calmer, and more in control in the moments right before you get in the car.
Sports Science Evidence: Does It Actually Help?
There’s a surprising amount of sports research here—especially in endurance events and extreme heat:
- A 2018 review in Sports Medicine and several follow-up studies have shown that menthol mouth rinsing can:
- Delay the onset of thermal discomfort
- Reduce perceived exertion and heat stress
- Increase the time to exhaustion in athletes exercising in high temperatures
One key study even found that cyclists and runners using a menthol rinse felt cooler, tolerated heat longer, and performed better—even though their body temperature and hydration status didn’t change.
Bottom line: The brain’s “cool” switch is real, and athletes can leverage it for a short-lived edge in brutal conditions.
A Mental Edge, Not a Magic Trick
For drivers like Sonny Hayes—or anyone suiting up for a hot stint—Listerine is less about changing the body, and more about optimizing the mind.
- Sharper focus
- Reduced discomfort
- Delayed “overheat” panic
It’s the kind of edge you want as you roll out of pit lane and into a 140°F oven wearing three layers of Nomex.
What We Actually Do at Crown Racing: Arizona Hydration for Pros and Gentleman Drivers Alike
Of course, nobody survives an endurance race on mint alone.
In the Arizona heat, real performance depends on precision hydration and recovery, tailored to how we race, recover, and keep our heads in the game.
1. Maurten: The Crown Standard
Our main partner, Maurten, is at the heart of our program. Why?
Because Maurten’s hydrogel tech means you get high carbs and sodium withouta gut bomb or sugar crash. This is essential for our drivers and crew pulling long stints in savage heat.
- Maurten 320: Clean, high-carb fueling for lasting energy and focus.
- Maurten Drink Mixes: Optimized for quick absorption and minimal GI distress, even under the stress of a hot, bouncing cockpit.
Why Maurten? Because it’s the science-driven gold standard trusted by top-tier athletes—and, now, Crown Racing.
2. LMNT & Skratch: Sodium and Variety When It Matters
For salt replacement (and let’s be honest, Arizona is a sodium thief), we use LMNT and Skratch Labs strategically.
- LMNT: Delivers a hard-hitting dose of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It’s the go-to when sweat is pouring and electrolytes need topping up, quickly.
- Skratch Labs: Brings in a more moderate electrolyte profile and real fruit for flavor, keeping hydration palatable throughout the day. It’s especially useful for lighter, repeated hydration and for crew who want options.
We’ll even blend both in our hydration rotation—because no two drivers (or stints) are exactly the same.
3. Recovery: Science-Backed Fuel for the Body (and Mind)
Post-stint, recovery isn’t just about hydration—it’s about rebuilding:
- Tart cherry juice: Natural anti-inflammatory, helps with muscle recovery and reducing soreness after long runs in the car.
- Protein + honey drink: Simple, effective, and designed to replenish muscle glycogen and jumpstart recovery before the next session.
Never heard of LMNT or Skratch Labs? They’re not energy drinks—they’re science-forward hydration brands. LMNT is all about high sodium and balanced electrolytes (no sugar), perfect for extreme sweat loss. Skratch Labs focuses on real fruit, moderate electrolytes, and easy drinking, making them ideal for athletes in the heat.
A Real Crown Racing Hydration & Fueling Plan (Race Day Example)
- Night before:
- Pre-hydrate with Maurten; carb-rich dinner
- Race morning:
- Maurten 320, sipped slowly
- LMNT + Skratch, as needed
- Pre-stint:
- Maurten Drink Mix; optional Listerine rinse (for that Sonny Hayes moment)
- In-car:
- Small sips (hydration system)
- Post-stint:
- Skratch or LMNT
- Tart cherry juice
- Protein + honey recovery drink
And if you really want to level up your cool factor (pun intended), we’ve even seen teams use Tucson-based CoolSpray—a Tucson neighbor. The secret to surviving Arizona heat? Sometimes it’s science… and sometimes it’s knowing the right stuff.
We monitor our drivers for sharpness and focus throughout the day. Weight is monitored for car setup reasons, not health, but if you lose a lot of weight in a session, that’s a sign your hydration strategy is working overtime, and we take note.
Why It All Matters (And Why the Movie Gets One Thing Right)
The real science of motorsport hydration is part physiology, part psychology, and part tradition.
Listerine (or menthol rinse) won’t lower your core temp, but it gives your mind a few critical minutes of cool, collected calm—that can mean the difference between a quick start and a scrambled one.
But when it’s 110°F in the Arizona sun, real performance comes from a full plan—from Maurten’s fueling science, to strategic salt from LMNT and Skratch, to recovery with tart cherry juice and protein.
We use every edge, every innovation, and every proven trick—because winning in the desert takes all of it.
So next time you see Sonny Hayes swig that blue bottle, just know:
- The science is legit
- The movie nailed the vibe
- But at Crown Racing, we’re taking the whole game a step further
Thanks to Maurten for keeping our team fueled and focused, and a shoutout to our other hydration and recovery partners for helping us thrive where most just survive.
