Jaime Alguersuari is the youngest Formula 1 driver of all time. We talk to the 19-year-old about what that means to him, why he feels comfortable in Valencia and what has to happen there in order for him to leave Spain a satisfied man.
You finished your first grand prix in Hungary in 15th place. Happy with your debut?
"Yes. I never expected that place for the first race in Formula 1."
How does it actually feel to be the youngest ever F1 driver?
"It’s definitely nice, but obviously it’s not my main goal. I want to become world champion one day, and hopefully I’ll be able to do that with Red Bull. That’s why my goals and objectives change almost daily. That I’m in Formula 1 and am the youngest ever doesn’t mean a lot because I want to be known as a successful racing car driver."
It's good timing that your second race is the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23. Is a race in Spain a special one for you, or one like any other?
"It’s quite special, definitely. I don’t often get the chance to race near my home town [Barcelona], so I hope to have a good race there."
Do you know the city circuit in Valencia from any other racing series, or is it new territory for you?
"I had the opportunity to win there last year in Formula 3 on the street circuit, so I know the track quite well."
Does this racetrack demand any particular preparation?
"I think a street circuit will always need some preparation, but if you’ve had the experience of racing in Macau or Monaco, you shouldn’t have any problems in Valencia."
What needs to happen for to come away happy from the European GP?
"Improving on my progress and development on my performance in Hungary, gaining more confidence with the tyres and the car and, with a bit of luck, making it to Q2 – and also to finish the race!"
Michael Schumacher has had to abandon his comeback. What would it have meant to you to race against the seven-time world champion?
"If Michael made that decision, that’s fair enough. He’s 40 years old now and his injury from the motorbike crash still hasn't healed, so it's definitely understandable. It’s a big shame, because Michael is such a big name. I was really looking forward to racing against him, even if on the track I would treat him like any another Formula 1 driver."
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