Malaysian Grand Prix 2015: Nico Rosberg reveals he sticks a sanitary towel to his forehead to cope with extreme temperatures

The Mercedes driver is taking extreme measures to avoid getting sweat in his eyes

Nico Rosberg has revealed he wears a sanitary towel on his head during the Malaysian Grand Prix (Getty Images)

The world of Formula One is used to the strange and bizarre, having seen cheat and spy scandals, driver contractual disagreements and even Lewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe attending races in recent years. However, championship contender Nico Rosberg has trumped the lot.

The Mercedes driver, who finished as runner-up in last year’s championship, has revealed that he wears a sanitary towel on his forehead during races.

Yes, you read that correct. The 29-year-old German made the startling revelation after today’s drivers’ press conference at the Sepang International Circuit ahead of Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix, but while the measure can be described as ridiculous at best, he does have an explanation.

“I have an issue with my eye when I sweat a lot,” Rosberg told Sky Sports. “I do have a sort of headband in my helmet, but it is my trick.

“I put a women’s… what do you call them? The thing you put in your underwear.”

When Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater suggested “tights”, Rosberg replied: “No, inside the underwear.”

A bemused Slater then enquired: “A sanitary towel?”

A now smiling Rosberg answered: “Sanitary towel. Is that what it is called? Yes. I put that on my forehead in the helmet to soak up the sweat.”

While Rosberg’s “trick” is certainly one of the more shocking ones, it’s a measure to protect himself from being blinded by sweat during the extreme conditions that the Malaysian Grand Prix poses. Drivers will have to endure temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius, while the humidity in Malaysia will regularly top 70 per cent during the 90-minute-plus race.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg (Getty Images)

As Rosberg highlights, drivers can lose up to four litres of sweat during the race, meaning that hydration and sweat prevention via cool vests are a crucial part of preparing for Sunday’s event.

“The race is one of the toughest on the calendar because of the intense heat and humidity, so you have to be very fit,” adds Rosberg.

The effects of last year's Malaysian Grand Prix can be seen on Rosberg and Hamilton (Getty Images)

“It is vital to stay hydrated, too because during the race I can sweat up to four litres which is massive and probably double the amount of a regular race.

“It will be very demanding. By the end of the grand prix, your concentration levels will not be as high as they were at the beginning.”