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 Components 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 individual. 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 exhausting 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 little thing, and having enjoyable. Even once I began snowboarding, I all the time tried to go as quick as attainable. And in a automobile, in fact—on observe. I really like the sound of the engine. No, I’m not scared. Immediately, 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 observe close by. In Monaco, I’ve enjoyable on the simulator with my pal 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 individual. 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 understand how life can change in a second. You’ll be able to’t take something with no consideration—you need to stay daily and revel in it with a function.”
You’ve reached your objective—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 stated. 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 (right this moment, truly), I’ll resume coaching in Dubai, however I share his mindset.”
How do you are feeling?
“We’ve completed assessments to find out what sort of preparation to comply with, 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 objective isn’t simply to win for 3 years however to nonetheless be competing at 30. This season was unbelievable, however every little thing can change.”
In case you are Verstappen, is Carlos Alcaraz Hamilton?
“Hamilton has extra expertise, so it’s exhausting to check. However on the court docket, 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 know the way they do it—giving interviews two minutes earlier than moving into the automobile, then placing on the helmet and going… In tennis, it’s not like that.”
Is it true that you just lately purchased your self a Ferrari?
“I don’t wish to say simply but.”
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