Pagenaud says he could not retire in his early thirties like Nico Rosberg did.
What do you think about Formula 1 and how the sport has evolved? Do you follow it closely?
To be honest, I’ve lost a bit of interest in recent years because I am not a big fan of the hybrid power units and lack of engine noise: the ‘Wow’ factor has been removed from the cars. That said, I am looking forward to seeing the 2017-spec challengers, though the noise will still be missing.
The Rosberg-Hamilton rivalry was fascinating to watch, especially the mind games. I was surprised by Rosberg’s departure. I am also in my early 30s and I just won my first championship too, but I won’t head for retirement anytime soon. Nico wanted to bow out at the top of his game and I respect the decision.
I’d like to return to Le Mans, but only with a works team that can challenge for the overall win. But right now, I’m 100% focused on IndyCar and the Indy 500.
Do you have any regrets about F1? Any plans to have a go at NASCAR in the future?
I don’t have any regrets about taking my career to America. I have always kept an open mind, without being solely focussed on F1. I have enjoyed endurance racing as well, which has brought me a lot. I’ll gladly return to Le Mans of course, but only with a works team that can challenge for the overall win.
That’s not on my priority list at the moment though. I am 100% focused on IndyCar and the Indy 500. NASCAR could tempt me in the future. Unlike what people in Europe might think, this is a high-level series and oval racing requires a lot of finesse and anticipation at the wheel, which I like a lot.
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