Jannik Sinner, a Ferrari fan on the Abu Dhabi GP: “We tennis gamers are as alone because the drivers. Within the automotive, I isolate myself. Did I present myself a Ferrari? I gained’t say now. Am I like Verstappen? Like him, I don’t chase data.”
He waved the checkered flag, took a lap with Leclerc in a Ferrari 296, found the secrets and techniques of the drivers, and had a blast—Jannik Sinner’s debut as a Method 1 ambassador was a memorable one.
What was it like sitting subsequent to Charles?
“An unbelievable expertise. We message one another, however we had by no means met in particular person. I had an thought of what to anticipate, as I had already pushed at Fiorano, however not with him. His management is wonderful.”
Subsequent time, will you be driving?
“I don’t assume so. It’s higher if he drives…”
Have you ever organized the padel match you talked about?
“It’s actually onerous to match our schedules. However I nonetheless hope so.”
Your tennis is as quick as F1. What does pace imply to you?
“Freedom. It means understanding your limits, respecting the whole lot, and having enjoyable. Even once I began snowboarding, I all the time tried to go as quick as doable. And in a automotive, after all—on monitor. I really like the sound of the engine. No, I’m not scared. Right this moment, I loved it.”
You drive karts when you possibly can.
“Final 12 months, once I was coaching in Alicante, I used to go to a monitor close by. In Monaco, I’ve enjoyable on the simulator with my good friend Antonio Giovinazzi. I really like driving after coaching—within the automotive, I isolate myself. I placed on music and drive alone.”
Do you bear in mind the primary Grand Prix you watched?
“I all the time adopted F1 as a child, however I had by no means been to a race in particular person. My first reminiscence is linked to Schumacher. When he had his snowboarding accident, it was a shock for me.”
In 2013, you have been only a child.
“Sure, however that second made me notice how life can change in a second. You’ll be able to’t take something as a right—you need to stay daily and revel in it with a goal.”
You’ve reached your purpose—turning into world No. 1. Do you are feeling just like the Verstappen of tennis?
“I simply spoke with Max, and we have been commenting on one thing he mentioned. He talked about that he doesn’t chase different drivers’ data as a result of he additionally values spending time with household. We’re athletes, however we’re additionally individuals—family and friends are a very powerful issues. I attempt to do my finest in tennis; from tomorrow (immediately, truly), I’ll resume coaching in Dubai, however I share his mindset.”
How do you are feeling?
“We’ve accomplished assessments to find out what sort of preparation to observe, which methods to make use of. There’s loads of sacrifice behind it. I’m solely 23, not 27 like Verstappen, and I’ve solely had one top-level season. The purpose isn’t simply to win for 3 years however to nonetheless be competing at 30. This season was unbelievable, however the whole lot can change.”
In case you are Verstappen, is Carlos Alcaraz Hamilton?
“Hamilton has extra expertise, so it’s onerous to check. However on the court docket, like in a automotive, we’re alone. Nonetheless, the consistency and stability Max has proven are spectacular.”
Variations between drivers and tennis gamers?
“I don’t understand how they do it—giving interviews two minutes earlier than stepping into the automotive, then placing on the helmet and going… In tennis, it’s not like that.”
Is it true that you just just lately purchased your self a Ferrari?
“I don’t need to say simply but.”
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