Very few drivers are capable of looking behind them while driving without following it up with a terrible mistake that costs them three or four places. That's why I have a policy with drivers that is quite simple, never ever look behind.  And if they get to the level where they can afford to look behind them without it causing problems then they don't need my help any more.

Here's what happens when drivers look behind
1.  You deprive your brain of the flow of information it needs to drive fast.  It's like rebooting a PC, it takes time to get back up to speed.

2.  You give the driver behind you a huge confidence boost.  You are telling them you are worried about them.

3.  If the driver behind is 50% sure they will make a pass on you, when they see you look behind at them they become 100% sure they can do it.  Now they know you are expecting it and you will give them room.

4.  You reveal to all the following drivers and all spectators that you are expecting to go backwards in this race.  It shows a lack of confidence and ruins any reputation as an intimidating racer you would hope to build.

5.  You drive your parents and/or team insane, because they have probably told you never to look behind. They become obsessed with it and can't focus on other important aspects of performance.

How to Stop Yourself Looking Behind - Look further Ahead!
Looking ahead is a technique.  But it has a very beneficial side effect.  When you are super focussed on the next apex, and the next exit point then you never have any temptation to look behind.

When you are using the 'look ahead' technique, you are always looking two steps ahead of where you are currently on track.  So when you are on the straight you are looking beyond your braking point to the corner apex.  When you are  at your braking point you are looking beyond the apex at your next exit point.

And it is very hard to do this, it takes a lot of concentration and leaves no room for any thoughts of what is going on behind. If you master looking two steps ahead then looking behind gets banished forever!

article: by Terence Dove