On Wednesday Lotus Renault F1 drivers Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov had a crash course in footy from Hawthorn talls Lance Franklin and Josh Gibson at the MCG.

As one of the smallest drivers on the grid at 163cm tall, Nick Heidfeld had his work cut out for him matched against the 196cm frame of Lance Franklin.

The Hawthorn footballers taught the internationals some basic AFL techniques in the days before the Hawks Round 1 clash against the Crows and the F1 drivers' season opener at Albert Park.

With 172 F1 starts in 11 seasons, Nick Heidfeld is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. At the opposite end of his career, Heidfeld’s team mate Vitaly Petrov enters his second F1 season determined to build on the promise shown in his rookie season.


Lotus Renault Formula One drivers Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov get a lesson in Aussie rules from Hawks stars Lance Franklin and Josh Gibson.