You’re an incredibly busy man, racing in both Formula E and DTM, how do you manage your time and what do you do in your down time?
It’s difficult racing in both championships as you really don’t get a lot of time to yourself, you haven’t just got the race weekend there are also a lot of other demands, from simulator sessions to PR activities so I’m very busy! I try to spend as much time as I can at home, I’ve got nieces and nephews I love spending time with, and I really just like relaxing at home and sleeping in my own bed – you forget how much of a luxury it really is.
(Photo by Sam Bloxham / LAT Images)You’re well known for your laid-back approach, how do you prepare for a race? What’s going through your head?
Unlike a lot of other drivers, I like to be incredibly chilled before I get into the car to go to the grid – in Monaco last year the team found me asleep 10 minutes before I had to get into the car! I like to keep my head down and not overthink anything, I let my moves on track do the talking. It’s the same in the race – you’ll notice I don’t speak a lot to my engineers while I’m driving – I prefer to be in the moment and to keep as calm as possible.
(Photo by LAT Images)You’ve recently been on an Audi Sport training camp, how was it?
In one word, tough! I’ve attending the training camp a few times and every time I forget just how difficult it is. It’s great fun as well though, being there with all my Audi Sport colleagues and pushing ourselves through different sports and team building activities. I had to represent the Dutch too – I’ve got my cycling gear in the Dutch colours.
(Photo by LAT Images)What’s the best city you’ve visited whilst racing and do you get to see a lot of the cities?
There have been a few cities I’ve really loved but from racing I think Paris has to be one of my favourite – not just because I won the race last year! You’re right in the heart of the city – you can even see the Eiffel Tower from the track – so it really adds to the spectacle of street racing. On our Thursday media days in Formula E we often go out filming with the team, this means we do get to see more than just the hotel and the paddock!
Do you listen to music before you get into the car? What would be your top five tracks?
I don’t often listen to music before I get into the car but I do enjoy having my go as team DJ when we’re driving to the circuit. I like music that reflects my mood, I don’t need to get worked up to get out and drive so I think my music choice reflects that.
My top five tracks are:
Sun In Our Eyes – MO, Diplo
Hold You Down – X Ambassadors
Eastside – Benny Blanco, Halsey, Khalid
Elixir – Tourist
Line of Sight – Odesza, Wynne, Mansionair