It’s not hyperbolic in the slightest. Which other discipline would condition its participants to endure the combination of forces and temperatures over the duration I described above?
Doesn't that prove my point that they are completely different things and not comparable?
If you read my other comment you will see my line of reasoning. At no point have I denigrated racing drivers, so there's no need to rush to their defence.
If that’s your point then yes, fair enough, there is no direct comparison. The way your original P.S. was worded gave the opposite impression though, and “racing drivers aren’t athletes” seems to be a POV many people have.
> would destroy most athletes from other sports
This is pretty hyperbolic, I wonder if you might like to reconsider it.