A racing driver does not only rely on the performance of their car: physical and mental fitness are also crucial factors that can make the difference between success and failure.
For Matisse, this means working with trusted experts to ensure that he is at his best when it counts. The young Belgian calls on two key figures, who draw on their own knowledge and experience to help him reach the next level: driver coach Julien Schroyen, and physical and mental coach Rachid Haevelaerts.
“CONFIDENCE IS CRUCIAL”
"I first met him when he was only 17, during his very first track experience in Fun Cup,” Julien recalls. “It was literally his first time driving on a real circuit. I coached him for two years within the team, and we quickly started fighting for victories."
Julien saw that Matisse had the talent to move up the ladder and continued to work with him as the youngster progressed from Fun Cup to international GT racing. As he explains, his role today is that of a professional driver coach.
"I identify the areas where he needs to improve and help guide him through that process. I am not his friend or family: my responsibility is performance. Sometimes that means I need to be strict or demanding, because my goal is always to extract the best possible performance from him."
There is a great deal of fine-tuning and nuance to what Julien does, but in simple terms he builds Matisse's off-season programme around two main pillars: karting and simulation.
"Karting is extremely valuable because it improves the connection between the eyes, hands, and body," Julien explains. "It teaches car control, endurance, and alignment. We also use karting to develop his skills in the rain, because it forces the driver to feel grip levels and adapt quickly.
"Simulation allows us to recreate a full race weekend: practice, qualifying, race conditions, fuel management, tyre strategy,” he continues. “The goal is to prepare him for real situations, especially learning how to manage tyres and remain consistent.”
“Confidence is crucial. When a driver trusts his braking points and technique, he maximises his track time efficiently."
“PERFORMANCE IS MOSTLY MENTAL”
With expertise in an entirely different sport, his focus is on physical and mental preparation rather than the craft of driving."Physical readiness is the minimum requirement, but performance itself is mostly mental," Rachid explains. "Matisse did not come from a karting background, so part of my role is helping him bridge the gap between expectations and the reality of professional racing. The mental aspect is something I constantly emphasise.
“Some days are focused on simulator or karting preparation work, and other days are dedicated to cardio, strength training, and mobility. As we get closer to races, we shift toward reaction speed and split-second decision making. Cognitive work becomes more important during that phase.
"The most important goal is to become a complete all-round athlete. Drivers need maximum functional strength, but without becoming too bulky.
“My rule is simple: the training should be 80% enjoyable and 20% uncomfortable."
LAYING FOUNDATIONS
The winter months are relatively quiet for a racing driver. Matisse has competed in a number of events, but his on-track schedule is light compared with the non-stop pace of the European summer. As such, there is an opportunity to prepare for the busiest part of the season.
"Winter is the time to work on weaknesses," says Julien. "For Matisse, we focus heavily on qualifying performance, building the ideal lap, driving in the rain, understanding racing lines and braking techniques. For each circuit, we study onboard videos, compare laps, and analyse braking zones.”
Rachid also sees this as an opportunity to lay strong foundations for the year ahead.
"Winter is for building the base: strength, stability, and physical development," he explains. "During winter, you must ask yourself: what should I do, and have I done it? Preparation is everything. To be free and confident in the car, you need to fill yourself with knowledge and experience. Then, in the moment, you can react naturally.
"During the racing season, training becomes maintenance-focused," Rachid adds. "Sometimes we train once per week, sometimes two or three times depending on the calendar. Before races, such as the Dubai 24 Hour, we do a light preparation session with minimal load, focusing on intervals, coordination, and reaction."
THRIVING UNDER PRESSURE
Endurance racing presents a unique set of challenges: a driver must cope under heavy strain in the car, then spend long periods waiting to get back in. This is especially true in a 24-hour race. As such, one of Rachid's key tasks is to help Matisse thrive under pressure.
"Stress is often a sign of not being fully prepared," he explains. "My job is to prepare Matisse so that pressure becomes manageable. We analyse situations together: what happened, why did you react that way, and what can you do better next time? Knowledge and preparation reduce stress.
"Mentally, progress shows itself in routines and habits. Did he do what he needed to do? Did he adapt? The final position is less important than the process of getting there."
Speaking of progress, Julien sees 2026 as a major opportunity for Matisse to show what he is truly capable of.
"I am really looking forward to seeing him perform this year," he confirms. "I believe he will impress people. This is only his fourth season in motorsport, but it must become his breakthrough season. He is young, but he already has experience, a lot of driving time, and strong performance potential.
"This is the year he needs to stand out."
Matisse Lismont has a busy year ahead. With the winter drawing to a close and the European season coming into view, the youngster’s full programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
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