Sainz on Interlagos: 'It's all about the history'

Carlos Sainz admits he gets a special kick out of racing at Interlagos, a legendary venue steeped in F1 history that inspires the Renault driver.

Next weekend will be Sainz's penultimate race with the French team before he moves on to a new chapter in his F1 career with McLaren.

"Interlagos is all about the history, and I really enjoy racing at these old, legendary circuits," he said ahead of this week's 20th round of the world championship.

"The Brazilian Grand Prix is the location of a lot of famous Formula 1 stories and drivers, including, of course, Ayrton Senna, and that makes the weekend even more special.

• For Hulkenberg, Brazilian GP has 'all the right ingredients'

"In terms of the culture, it’s bright and loud, kind of like Mexico last time out, but different in its own unique way.

"The food in Brazil is also one of my favourites; I’m a big fan of meat dishes and São Paulo is very good for these types of restaurants."

While the local fervor is a veritable turn-on for Sainz, the track's layout, with its specific topography is also embraced by the 24-year-old.

"The track is quite challenging with a number of elevation changes and a variety of cambers in the corners. It feels like a roller-coaster ride!" he added.

"The in-field bit is tough as it’s twisty with a couple of blind and sharp turns where it can be easy to lock the inside wheel.

"You have to get into a rhythm around the circuit and try not to compromise any corners as that hampers you for next the turn.

"The Grandstands are always packed-out there, but the atmosphere feels more like a football match than a Formula 1 race, it’s always so loud!"

And then there is the local weather which can turn on a gust of wind and wreak havoc a predictable result.

Sainz admits he wouldn't be against a downpour that would level the playing field and enable him to deliver a good performance as was the case in 2016 when he finished sixth with Toro Rosso.

"There are usually a couple of surprises year on year. It can be hot and dry and then suddenly the torrential rain will pour in," he commented.

"I remember a couple of years ago, we were fifteenth on the grid, but it rained on race day and suddenly we were in amongst it and we managed a solid sixth place finish.

"Adapting quickly to the conditions is a good skill to have in Brazil, so we’ll see what happens! Maybe rain would be a good thing."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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