I can see that. That being said, I assure you that when I am driving like crap and trying to figure out what’s wrong, I revisit where I am looking.
There’s a process I go through and it’s around getting on top of the kart as opposed to behind (reactive).
While it varies somewhat, I am deliberately noting the important bits prior to my arrival and keeping my eyes moving, with an emphasis on what’s next as opposed to what’s beneath or just ahead of me.
It’s intentional and deliberate. It’s controlled. Once I get my laps back where I want them, my vision tends to revert to a more passive approach till I fall off again. Then, I get my vision back forwards.
While I could say I look here and then there and then there, which is true, it’s only when I need to get back on top. Otherwise, to your point, it’s all beaten into me as “automatic” until it’s not anymore and I have to pay attention.
But I would say that in general I know where I am looking. When I’m not using my vision correctly, I get pressured and can feel it in my driving.
Also, peripheral vision is a thing. Although I am focused on where I want the kart on exit after the apex and that’s where I am looking as I cross the apex, I can still see the red and white kerbing pass to my left and am aware of the distance I placed the kart from said kerbing. I’m just not looking at it in that moment, directly. It’s more of a confirmation thing.
If, for example, my approach was wrong and I needed to pull flaps, you can bet my vision comes right back to the here and now to deal with it. But I am desperately looking ahead to try to salvage the corner and be as efficient as I can despite my screw up. Lotta eye and head movements here.
I am very much a believer in @speedcraft idea of the lap as a film. We are comparing our driving to the mental movie we are simultaneously playing out as we drive. Vision is a funny thing that appears to combine active and passive skills that we train into habit.
I’ve seen the eye tracker videos and yes Magnussen moves his Focus around a lot and it’s similar to what I am talking about.