Carlos Sainz is one of Formula 1's most promising talents, which is why he's on many teams' short-list for the future.

A well-rounded and educated young man, the Toro Rosso driver opened up to Formula1.com and made a few surprising confessions.

Sainz isn't easily impressed or affected, as long as he keeps a firm grasp on a situation.

"Doing something risky that I am not able to control," was his response when asked what he was afraid of.

"I am a bit of a risk-lover, but I have to be in control - not somebody else taking me down the risk-alley!

"I have never cried watching a film," he added. "But the film ‘Lion’ made me very emotional."

In high school, Sainz was labeled as 'lazy' by his teachers and as one who didn't like to study, but admits he "was smart enough to charm my way through exams!"

Not much of a sweet tooth, the 22-year-old confesses to always crave for a good hamburger when asked about his guilty pleasures.

Does he collect anything? Yes, his helmets and cars, every year.

Like most drivers, when he's away from home, Sainz misses his own bed, sheets, pillows and his own shower.

Speaking of shower, his own or others, Sainz doesn't sing under the running hot water, and doesn't really believe in love at first sight.

What's his ideal non-race Sunday like?

"Go running early morning, have lunch with the whole family – and that is a big one – then play golf in the afternoon and probably later in the evening go to a movie."

The most embarrassing mistake he ever made was on the race track unsurprisingly.

"Spinning all by myself in one of my first races in Formula BMW. Nobody forced me into that stupidity – there was nobody around and I spun."

The son of rally legend Carlos Sainz Snr isn't perhaps quite as famous yet as his illustrious dad, but he's getting there.

"Up until now I have not been that famous that I cannot stand it. But sometimes it is odd when you are in a restaurant and people stare at you.

"They don’t say anything, they don’t come for an autograph – they just stare and that’s a bit weird! But that happens only in Spain. I live in London and there hardly anyone ever recognises me. "

Who would be the three people he would like to invite to dinner?

"Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Rafael Nadal."

Sainz believes that driving an F1 car is something that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.

But what is on his ultimate bucket list?

Fighting for the F1 world championship, then doing a Rally – one day I want to race in one of the big rallies.

"And then let’s see what comes after that."

 

“Want to win a trackday experience? All you have to do is subscribe to our FREE newsletter HERE”

Gallery: All the pictures from Sunday in Monaco

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

1 hour ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

2 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

3 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

5 hours ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

6 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

7 hours ago