10:38 – F1 drivers answer hundreds of questions at each Grand Prix, but how much do we know about their lives away from the track? GPUpdate.net is on a mission to find out more, continuing with Stoffel Vandoorne.
Describe your perfect day…
My perfect day probably hasn’t arrived yet in Formula 1! I think that would probably be winning a Grand Prix. But completely, let’s say, in private life, not thinking about the sport, I think spending it with some friends. Because we travel so much, we don’t have a lot of opportunities to spend time together. Being with them, having a few drinks and chilling out, is nice.
What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
It was probably in 2009, when I had an offer, or the chance, to run in single-seaters with the help of the Belgian national team. At that point, I was hesitating to continue in karting or to go to single-seaters. I could have a professional contract in go-karts and in single-seaters I wasn’t sure how far I was going to get because there was no money. But I took the chance and it’s been a good decision.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
Umm. I don’t know! It’s not easy.
No mistakes?
For sure there were mistakes! But there is nothing drastic that probably changed my life. I can’t answer that one straight away.
How long do you spend getting ready in the morning?
Half an hour!
Romain Grosjean is still the benchmark on four minutes…
He doesn’t shower then! That’s why he smells! (Laughs)
Do you prefer a lie in or an afternoon nap?
Probably an afternoon nap. I’m kind of a morning person, I get up quite early and quite quick, let’s say.
Do you prefer a night in or a night out?
It depends, but a night out probably!
What’s worse, a traffic jam or airport queuing?
A traffic jam for me.
How do you kill time at an airport?
I try to arrive as late as possible! But generally, just being in the lounge, listening to music, watching some movies – Netflix.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever done?
(Long pause) I don’t know…
Valtteri Bottas used to blow up mailboxes with fireworks…
I did that as well! Well… it’s not funny, because I got really scared of it. We had a tennis court at home, and I was playing with some fireworks. I decided to take some extra fuel to burn it, and kind of the whole thing went up in the air! They closed the whole street, because they thought the fuel station was on fire next door!
That could be your biggest mistake…
It wasn’t funny at the time! It gave me nightmares for a long time!
What would your karaoke song be?
I’m not a karaoke guy at all. Maybe in Japan, on a night out, with Hasegawa-san!
How many languages can you speak?
Three: English, French and Dutch.
Which language would you most like to learn?
Maybe a bit of Italian or something. I speak a little bit. I speak a little bit of Japanese as well.
Street circuit or permanent circuit?
Street circuit! It’s just more of a challenge, less margin, less room for error – just more excitement, really.
Which is your favourite Grand Prix on the calendar?
There are a couple. Spa is one of my favourites, because it’s my home race, but also the track is great. Monaco is a very good one as well. I’m looking forward to going to Suzuka again, and probably Singapore, which is one I will discover.
If you could add a circuit to the calendar, which would it be?
Imola! It’s a track I used to play a lot when I was racing computer games. I like the way you go through the chicanes, they are really fast, kerb riding – it’s cool.
Do you prefer sweet or savoury food?
Sweet!
Belgian waffles or fries and mayonnaise?
You can answer that now! (Laughs)
One meal, one drink. What would you choose?
Probably some meat; the best meat in the world, super expensive. Wagyu!
The best beer in the world with that?
I don’t drink beer!
What’s your favourite film?
I’m more into series really!
So what’s your favourite TV show?
Prison Break I like, Breaking Bad was good as well.
What’s your favourite book?
I’m not really into books, but the last book I read was Aki Hintsa’s, our team doctor [who passed away last year].
What’s your favourite band?
Generally, I would listen to dance music, but there’s not one specific group I would say that stands out.
Countryside or city?
Hmm, a combination! Countryside, but when the city is not far is really good.
Summer or winter?
Summer!
If you had to take one driver to a desert island with you, who would it be, and why?
(Laughs) Can I take two? Then I would take [Sergio] Pérez and [Esteban] Ocon.
You could all sit around a fire and discuss things…
Exactly!
And if you had to pick one driver not to come with you?
I can’t say Fernando, can I? (Laughs). I don’t know! Overall, I probably wouldn’t take anyone, I would rather go on my own!
Who’s the funniest team-mate you’ve ever had?
Maybe Josh Hill. I was racing with him in Formula Renault, two-litres. He was a funny guy. I think he wasn’t that bothered with racing, so he was kind of on his phone all the time, and he liked drums. He was a cool dude, I liked him.
Who’s the best driver you’ve raced against who didn’t reach F1?
Robin Frijns. He won everything before Formula 1 and never really got a chance to race.
What’s your best ever overtake?
I have to think a bit… I was always leading! (Laughs). I can’t remember, specifically… There have been good ones, like in GP2, there are always so many in GP2 in reverse grid races, or whatever, or when you’re on a different strategy and you have to overtake guys.
What’s your best ever race?
It was probably a Formula Renault two-litre race in 2012, at Paul Ricard. I was starting from pole, and it started to rain on the formation lap. A couple of guys were on slicks, I was on slicks, and a lot of the guys were on rain tyres. I spun on the opening lap, dropped back to 20th, 22nd and finished second in the race. I think that was one of my best race.
Would you rather win races, but not the title? Or win the title, but no races?
I’d rather win races. I think for some reason it doesn’t feel right when you’re winning a championship and you haven’t won a race.
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked?
Ah! It was something like, ‘Which dinosaur would you be?’ Someone asks this question constantly! I couldn’t answer. A T-Rex, possibly!
Interview by: Mike Seymour
Source :http://feeds.gpupdate.net
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