In an unique interview with Paddock Magazine, Audi’s first manufacturing unit Formula 1 driver emphasises the significance of Ayao Komatsu’s contribution to his present F1 crew and the way F1’s notion in Germany can develop once more.
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Haas has a brand new crew principal for this season. Has the affect of Ayao’s work already been seen, and is the crew heading in the proper route?
I believe Ayao is doing a superb job, and clearly, many new issues are coming at him after he switched to the crew principal place. It’s not all about the engineering and technical aspect anymore, however he has to cope with all the industrial elements of operating a Formula 1 crew as nicely.
I do know that he’s received rather a lot on his plate. He has already made some good modifications to our technical infrastructure and moved some issues round. It’s been constructive, and we’re heading in the proper route.
I do know he’s received rather a lot on his plate.
Nico Hülkenberg
You’ll be becoming a member of the Audi undertaking subsequent 12 months. What do you consider F1’s notion in Germany?
From my perspective, I’ve seen a resurgence of curiosity in Formula 1 in Germany. It’s vital to do not forget that Germany has at all times had a robust presence in the sport, with the likes of the Schumachers, Seb, Rosberg, and Mercedes. We’ve persistently carried out at a excessive stage, and I consider this development will proceed.
It’s anticipated that, ultimately, there will probably be a saturation impact. We’ve seen that, and perhaps we’ve been by way of that cycle. F1 has modified a bit since the new homeowners took over; they’ve reworked it a bit and made it extra funky and entertaining. It is extra on the map once more in Germany, and I’m optimistic about its future. Audi’s entry may even contribute to the sport’s recognition in Germany.
Looking again to 2010, what are the most vital modifications in your driving model now? What are the primary enhancements? What’s made you such a rounded driver now?
I believe it’s a steady course of for any driver, not only for me. You continuously attempt to enhance your driving abilities and enter.
And yeah, it simply takes time. Obviously, in any case these years with completely different generations of automobiles, you continuously continue to learn, adjusting, and bettering your self. So it’s like in any sport: whether or not you’re a tennis participant, golfer, or basketball participant, you at all times attempt to enhance your sport and get an edge over the competitors.
Fernando Alonso talked about a number of instances that you simply’re one of the finest drivers on the grid – how does it really feel to get compliments like this out of your opponents?
I imply, it’s positively good. It’s clearly higher than mentioning you in the different method round, or not mentioning you in any respect. I assume it’s an indication of respect, and I believe we have now mutual respect for one another.
We’re each form of two of the oldies on the grid proper now, holding up the oldie flag. But we nonetheless take to each other with the younger guys, so yeah, a number of extra years to come back for each of us.
Probably I’ll go to a match and watch it.
Nico Hülkenberg
As you talked about, you’ve received a lot of years nonetheless left in your F1 profession, however what’s going to be subsequent for you? Do you may have some post-F1 profession choices on thoughts?
I don’t know, I don’t give it some thought to be sincere, as a result of I’ve to be absolutely invested in the current instances to maximise the subsequent couple of years.
I really feel like considering forward to the future or what I might do afterwards can be a waste of vitality and time. More or much less I already know what I’m going to get, as a result of clearly the break that I had gave me somewhat perception to what to anticipate if I ultimately retire. However, don’t fear, I’ll discover stuff to maintain me busy and completely happy.
We’re right here in Monaco this weekend. Do you assume that Monaco continues to be the most prestigious race on the calendar?
Absolutely, sure. I’ve lived in Monaco since 2015, this will probably be my eleventh Monaco Grand Prix, and I’ve watched the race many instances rising up. Monaco is iconic, it’s all about custom. It’s a journey on a knife edge and difficult yearly and one of my favourite tracks to drive, I look ahead to the journey and the problem.
And then lastly, Germany goes to host the Euro 2024 this summer time. Are you going to observe the matches and what do you count on from the German nationwide crew?
I believe I’ll positively observe. I’m not going to look at each sport, however the German one’s for certain. Probably I’ll go to a match and watch it. I haven’t been to a soccer sport in a very long time, in order that looks as if a superb event. On the different hand we’re additionally fairly busy in July, so let’s see.
