Jannik Sinner, a Ferrari fan on the Abu Dhabi GP: “We tennis gamers are as alone because the drivers. Within the automobile, I isolate myself. Did I reward myself a Ferrari? I received’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 System 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 concept 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 arduous to match our schedules. However I nonetheless hope so.”
Your tennis is as quick as F1. What does velocity imply to you?
“Freedom. It means figuring out your limits, respecting every thing, and having enjoyable. Even after I began snowboarding, I all the time tried to go as quick as potential. And in a automobile, after all—on observe. I really like the sound of the engine. No, I’m not scared. At present, I loved it.”
You drive karts when you possibly can.
“Final yr, after I was coaching in Alicante, I used to go to a observe close by. In Monaco, I’ve enjoyable on the simulator with my buddy Antonio Giovinazzi. I really like driving after coaching—within the automobile, 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 had been only a child.
“Sure, however that second made me notice how life can change in a second. You may’t take something with no consideration—you need to stay daily and luxuriate in it with a objective.”
You’ve reached your purpose—changing into world No. 1. Do you are feeling just like the Verstappen of tennis?
“I simply spoke with Max, and we had 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 folks—family and friends are a very powerful issues. I attempt to do my greatest in tennis; from tomorrow (at this time, really), I’ll resume coaching in Dubai, however I share his mindset.”
How do you are feeling?
“We’ve completed checks to find out what sort of preparation to observe, which methods to make use of. There’s a variety 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 every thing can change.”
If you’re Verstappen, is Carlos Alcaraz Hamilton?
“Hamilton has extra expertise, so it’s arduous to check. However on the courtroom, like in a automobile, 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 entering into the automobile, then placing on the helmet and going… In tennis, it’s not like that.”
Is it true that you simply just lately purchased your self a Ferrari?
“I don’t need to say simply but.”
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
