The Secret Life of… Daniil Kvyat

He was 'stood down' for the last two rounds in Malaysia and Japan, but he's back in for Toro Rosso at next weekend's 2017 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. What better time to learn a little more about Daniil Kvyat?

Q: Apart from driving a Formula 1 car, what is your favourite buzz? Daniil Kvyat: Extreme sports. Adrenalin rush things! (Laughs) Like rafting. When the big wave comes towards you out of nowhere – that is excitingly scary! And from a completely different department: backgammon.

Q: Which film last made you cry? DK: I am no cry baby. I keep my emotions to myself.

Q: What are you afraid of? DK: Jellyfish. They are awful.

Q: What was the last book you read? DK: I think I have read all the classics by now – the new authors don’t really thrill me, so I concentrate on engineers’ reports! (Laughs)

Q: What did your teachers say about you in your school report? DK: He has good potential, but he has to try harder.

Q: Do you have any guilty pleasures? DK: Tiramisu. Morning to night!

Q: Do you collect anything? DK: Sometimes some strange magnets that I put on the fridge. Nothing expensive.

Q: What do you miss most about home when you’re travelling? DK: All my own stuff: pillows, fridge, magnets on the fridge…

Q: What was your worst buy? DK: Since I started earning my own money I am very cautious, so nothing substantial. Maybe a stupid t-shirt.

Q: What’s your ideal non-race Sunday? DK: Staying calm at home. With my girlfriend.

Q: What’s the most embarrassing mistake you’ve ever made? DK: Probably unnecessarily spinning.

Q: When was the last time you were really angry? DK: Every last race!

Q: Which superpower would you prefer: being able to fly or being able to become invisible? DK: Can I say a faster engine? Would that qualify as a superpower? (Laughs)

Q: Do you sing in the shower? DK: Very rarely – only if a new song is particularly good.

Q: Do you believe in love at first sight? DK: Of course!

Q: What’s the worst thing about being famous? DK: Nothing really. It is all a matter of perspective, because if you put yourself under too many limitations then it can suck – but I am not in that position.

Q: You can invite three people to dinner, living or dead. Who do you invite? DK: My girlfriend is enough!

Q: What was the best thing about being a child? DK: Not being responsible for anything.

Q: What should everyone try once in their lifetime? DK: Driving a Formula 1 car. I tell you, nothing beats that!