What a fantastic F1 weekend we had witnessed. The Bahrain Grand Prix had certainly heated things up, getting everyone’s adrenaline charged to the max. The mammoth energy was far and wide and we certainly had something to be excited about, for Weekender got up-close to both the F1 drivers for the team ‘Red Bull Racing’- Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat.
The sport stars gave us a peek into their professional world of racing and a little something that people would not know about them. Check out the excerpts from the interviews:
W. How did you feel racing at such contrast weather to what you would otherwise expect in a desert?
Daniel: While we do more endurance training for places with a lot of heat, the weather in Bahrain was quite a pleasant change and I enjoyed the track even more with such an amazing atmosphere.
W.When you enter the paddock, what is the first thought that goes through your mind?
Daniel: This is my workplace and I smile because it’s not boring. It’s not like a small room with a computer and a chair. It’s like a bit of a playground and I smile because while it’s fun, it’s also business that I love to get on with.
W. Does it become overwhelming at any point as you progress through the races during the season?
Daniel: It was overwhelming in Australia as it was my home race and it was the first race of the year and it puts a certain amount of tension on you. Every time I went on the paddock, I knew all the eyes were at me. I love the fact that there are a lot of fans, who are cheering you on and its all positive but everyone is watching you and expecting and hoping for great things to happen, which can sometimes get to you.
W. Does winning the championship is all what an F1 Driver aims for when they enter into this sport?
Daniel: Obviously the dream is to win a championship every year but with this sport, you know that it’s not always realistic because surely there are better teams out there. We knew this year, the chance of winning the championship was small, and we know the Mercedes and Ferrari teams are very dominant at the moment. But we are still back on the path, to get to the top. Not there yet, but we are getting there. However I still want to achieve a lot and I think the basic principal is leaving the paddock knowing I did everything that I could. Give my 100% percent and I never want to leave with any regrets, even if it leads me either to the second position or the tenth. Its better trying and failing but at least failing because of trying.
W.What is the most exciting thing for you about about Bahrain’s track?
Daniel: Night race is really cool, especially here, when it can be really hot during the day. It allows the tyres to last longer and that means we can push harder during the race. So the intensity and the pace is a lot faster. And driving at night is fun as well; you see all the lights flashing past. But if every Grand Prix was at night, it would lose that special edge, but since we do only a few during the season, so when we get to them, it is different and exciting.
W.What about the technical updates that come to the sport? Do those impact your focus and strategies?
Daniel: Most of the time, I try to focus on what I need to do but surely there are some things we need to know of, so we don’t end up making any kind of silly mistake with an updated rule or change. I know enough but I don’t waste much attention on it. The engineer needs to do it and I leave it on him.
W.When you’re not on the F1 track, where can we find you, what is your major passion?
Daniel: I absolutely love music and I love going to music festivals and concerts. In fact I went to one recently and enjoyed the music of Kendrick Lamar, so for me, music is a good place to enjoy everything but it’s also a good place to get away from everything. You can be wrapped up in the sound completely.
W. So can we say, you can very well create a balance between your social and your professional life?
Daniel: Yes definitely. It’s cool; it’s about creating the balance yourself. Like for the day of the music festival, I trained in the morning. By lunch time, I was done and headed for the festival in the afternoon. If you can have these balances throughout the year, it doesn’t become very hectic on you and makes quite a difference.
W. Do you get a lot of time to explore the different cities during the races?
Daniel: Sometimes we do. Probably not a lot of time but when we are scheduled for back to back races, we can get an early day start to squeeze in some sight-seeing.
W. Firstly, can we just say how impressive it is that you’ve made your mark at such a young age. When did you know this is your passion and you are going to pursue it till the very end?
Daniil: I have to say I was very lucky in life to have understood what my life’s goal was at a very young age. When I was nine years old, I told myself and my family that this is what I want to do with my life. I have to work at being the best at it and will dedicate myself completely to it.
W. Was there ever a moment when you doubted yourself and thought you took the leap too quickly?
Daniil: There are actually many instances in everyone’s life when you doubt yourself and think you might not be able to do this, but you need to know that this feeling is part of the whole deal. There are times when you think you are cracking, you ask yourself is this even worth it , but here’s the deal... this is the most interesting part as well because you get to know yourself. You face your doubts and fears and you manage to push yourself to the limits. And also gives you the motivational drive to not give up.
W. Is there an F1 legend that you look up to?
Daniil: I had always looked up to Michael Schumacher when I was young, but now as I move forward, the more focused I am on myself. Because there comes a point when a racer needs to analyze their own self and their unique abilities. What can they bring to the podium and how they can develop themselves to bring their capabilities to the ultimate level.
When it comes to F1 racing, there are so many different tracks. Is there a specific one that you like the most?
Daniil: I am actually kind of an old fashioned guy and I have always sided and with those classic tracks. My favourites are the Monza, Hungary and Monaco. Those kinds of circuits have a very defining history to them which just makes it more amazing to take the car on them.
W. Some racers tend to create style statements. A distinctive appeal that differentiates them from the others. Is that something you look into seriously as well?
Daniil: Actually my focus has always been to be remembered for my actions on the track. Of course there are other factors and things that are associated to this gigantic sports event but to me, that always come secondary. I have always remained focused on the track and don’t impose special attention to anything else.
W. What can you say to youngsters who have realized their passion at a young age, but are doubtful to pursue it just yet?
Daniil: The thing is you may love and get excited by a lot of things. The world is full of possibilities. But you need to look into yourself and see what you are most likely and capable of achieving. It’s not luck. You need to be 101% sure that you can pursue a certain field and then go for it head on! You won’t be able to achieve the 100% result you want if you are not willing to give in the 100% effort.
