Are you ready for Formula 1?
Yes I am. I won the GP3 title after the announcement. That was a really important step for me. Now I’m only focused on F1. And I can’t wait for it.
What’s your job during practice at the GP in Austin & Sao Paulo?
We are still making the plan but I think I will try to drive as many laps as possible because this is one of the most important things for a new driver in the F1. Maybe the team will also have some updates but I don’t really know because it is up to them. I’ll know it on Thursday in Austin.
Have you driven the Austin or Sao Paulo track on the simulator yet?
I really didn’t have time but I watched many on boards of Sao Paulo and also from Austin because I’m trying to remember the track. It looks really challenging and the tracks are great. I’m looking forward to drive there.
Has your life changed since being promoted to F1?
A little bit. Some people say that nothing will change but they are obviously lying. It has changed but in a good way. Now there is much more media attention and now also the friends the racing friends look on you on a different way. But in the end you have to keep your feet on the ground, you have to stay who you are and to be honest to yourself. That’s the most important part and this is what I’m planning to do.
You have just won the GP3 title; does that make you feel more confident going forward?
It is a great boost for my self-confidence. I have been going to Abu Dhabi with one goal and now it feels very good to go home from Abu Dhabi with the title. That is great. In Abu Dhabi I also read that I’m going to be a F1 driver and so I was racing in that way. That was really important for me.
What’s your goal for your first season in Formula 1?
To be honest there is no goal. I don’t like setting targets. I will try to learn as much as I can and to gather experience and to find the limit of the car so that I can always drive on the limit in each race.
In 2014 there’s a grand Prix in Russia, how do you feel about driving in your home country?
First of all it feels great to represent my country in the first Russian GP. It is a historical event for Russia. It will be on the end of the year but I can’t wait for it. It will be great for all but especially for the Russian motorsport.