What are the essential elements of your pre-race routine?
Carlos Sainz: I do always the same. My method and my routine are always exactly the same: a 15-minute warm-up, always the same stretching. I’ve done that since last year. I received tips on how to go into a race with the maximum confidence.
What are the essential ingredients of a good night out?
CS: Good girls.
What essential items must you have in your driver’s room/motorhome at a race?
CS: I have a Spanish flag in my room. I have speakers and a lot of photos of my heroes: Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Muhammad Ali, Alberto Contador, and Seve Balesteros - the best in different sports!
What essential items must you always have in your fridge at home?
CS: I have water and lots of fruits. And eggs. I love eggs!
What are your essential qualities for a girlfriend/wife/partner?
CS: That she has confidence in me. It is not easy when you travel so much and you hear about the glamour of F1 - about all the beautiful girls - so it is all about confidence and trust.
What are essential qualities of a good F1 team mate?
CS: He has to be fast. Because that will make me go faster. A nice guy, well mannered.
Your essential tip for avoiding stress at airports?
CS: Have some music to listen to - and good company.
What are the essential qualities of an F1 driver?
CS: Fast. Determined. And a bit selfish. Think about yourself a bit more than normal.
What is essential to help you wind down after a race?
CS: That depends a lot on the feeling. And the result!
What are the essential elements of great racing circuit?
CS: It needs to be flowing. Not too many second-gear corners! The best example for flowing is Spa. High-speed change of direction and a tarmac that is a bit hard on the tyres!
What app is it essential to have on your phone?
CS: Instagram and Facebook
What are the essential qualities of a team boss?
CS: He has to help and understand the drivers. When you do something wrong he tells you straight to your face.
What are your essential requirements at a hotel?
CS: A king-size bed and a charger close to the bed. A shower and not a bathtub.
What is the essential Grand Prix every fan should attend at least once in their lifetime?
CS: I have not seen too many tracks. Of course, Monaco - and Barcelona!
What are your essentials for a good night’s sleep?
CS: Having no worries in your head.
What are the essential items you must have with you while travelling?
CS: Computer, my Red Bull caps and my phone.
What is essential to help you wake up in the morning?
CS: Regularly changing the tune of my alarm.
What is the essential corner in F1 racing?
CS: Becketts at Silverstone.
What are the essential parts of your training regime?
CS: Cycling, swimming and running. In that order.
What is the personal quality most essential for F1 success?
CS: Talent, hard work and determination.
What is your essential tip for the aspiring F1 driver?
CS: Hard work. More than you would ever think! It’s 10 percent luck and 90 percent hard work.
