Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz has already enjoyed a stellar start to his rookie season, scoring in two of his four Grands Prix to date, and this weekend sees another milestone in his fledgling F1 career - his very first home race. What better time, then, to get to know the young Spaniard a little better…
What are the essential elements of your pre-race routine?
Carlos Sainz: I do always the same. My method and my routine are always exactly the same: a 15-minute warm-up, always the same stretching. I’ve done that since last year. I received tips on how to go into a race with the maximum confidence.
What are the essential ingredients of a good night out?
CS: Good girls.
What essential items must you have in your driver’s room/motorhome at a race?
CS: I have a Spanish flag in my room. I have speakers and a lot of photos of my heroes: Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Muhammad Ali, Alberto Contador, and Seve Balesteros - the best in different sports!
Fernando Alonso (ESP) McLaren and Carlos Sainz jr (ESP) Scuderia Toro Rosso at Formula One World Championship, Rd2, Malaysian Grand Prix, Preparations, Sepang, Malaysia, Thursday 26 March 2015.
What essential items do I have in my driver's room? Photos of my heroes, including Fernando Alonso...
Carlos Sainz
What essential items must you always have in your fridge at home?
CS: I have water and lots of fruits. And eggs. I love eggs!
What are your essential qualities for a girlfriend/wife/partner?
CS: That she has confidence in me. It is not easy when you travel so much and you hear about the glamour of F1 - about all the beautiful girls - so it is all about confidence and trust.
What are essential qualities of a good F1 team mate?
CS: He has to be fast. Because that will make me go faster. A nice guy, well mannered.
Your essential tip for avoiding stress at airports?
CS: Have some music to listen to - and good company.
What are the essential qualities of an F1 driver?
CS: Fast. Determined. And a bit selfish. Think about yourself a bit more than normal.
What is essential to help you wind down after a race?
CS: That depends a lot on the feeling. And the result!
What are the essential elements of great racing circuit?
CS: It needs to be flowing. Not too many second-gear corners! The best example for flowing is Spa. High-speed change of direction and a tarmac that is a bit hard on the tyres!
What app is it essential to have on your phone?
CS: Instagram and Facebook
What are the essential qualities of a team boss?
CS: He has to help and understand the drivers. When you do something wrong he tells you straight to your face.
Carlos Sainz jr (ESP) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR10 at Formula One World Championship, Rd1, Australian Grand Prix, Qualifying, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday 14 March 2015.
The essential elements of a great circuit? It needs to flow - and not have too many second gear corners!
Carlos Sainz
What are your essential requirements at a hotel?
CS: A king-size bed and a charger close to the bed. A shower and not a bathtub.
What is the essential Grand Prix every fan should attend at least once in their lifetime?
CS: I have not seen too many tracks. Of course, Monaco - and Barcelona!
What are your essentials for a good night’s sleep?
CS: Having no worries in your head.
What are the essential items you must have with you while travelling?
CS: Computer, my Red Bull caps and my phone.
What is essential to help you wake up in the morning?
CS: Regularly changing the tune of my alarm.
What is the essential corner in F1 racing?
CS: Becketts at Silverstone.
What are the essential parts of your training regime?
CS: Cycling, swimming and running. In that order.
What is the personal quality most essential for F1 success?
CS: Talent, hard work and determination.
What is your essential tip for the aspiring F1 driver?
CS: Hard work. More than you would ever think! It’s 10 percent luck and 90 percent hard work.
