Written by: Goose
We are back with another driver. This time a division 1 title contender MUWBA 4 EVA
We’re four rounds in — how would you summarise your season up to this point?
Below the standard I expected of myself. Not as I had hoped.
Saying that - Everyone has been fantastic in how they've raced and no real drama as of yet and some good battles have already taken place.
You’re currently sitting 5th in Division 1. Is that roughly where you expected to be, or has the pace surprised you?
It's not where I expected to be, the pace has been very good tbf but, I expected to be a bit higher up the rankings.
Out of the opening four races, which result are you most satisfied or disappointed with and why?
Most disappointed with Spa, I love the track and I had great pace - unfortunately I invalidated my qualifying lap which sent me to the back of the grid. I was on track to finish 2nd, if not 3rd but unfortunately too many knocks from those around trying to get passed caused my wings to disappear and meant all the progress I made was undone.
To be honest, I wouldn't say I've been satisfied with any of the races so far but it's still early days.
How do you feel the Williams compares to the Haas. Considering you did look comfortable in the Haas last season?
Maybe it's due to previously always racing in the Haas, not just last season but previous years - but not feeling at one with the Williams so far. These things take some time so hopefully in a race or two I will feel more comfortable with it and where the limits of the car sit.
On that do you feel the Williams is a good fit for competitiveness in the division or do you think you could do with another step?
I think it's a good fit, both myself and my teammate have been there with the one lap timings of those around. So believe the league has been matched well.
Where do you feel your strengths lie right now — qualifying pace, race consistency or something else?
Currently, practice is lacking which is due to timings on my part just not being able to put the time in and practice. Which is causing me to learn quick and fast during qualifying and then in the race what is working and what isn't.
Normally I would say my strength lies in the race itself, knowing how to look after my tyres better starting on a full load and making them last and knowing how to defend positions safely for both myself and those around.
You’re in a tight battle in the standings — who’s been your toughest opponent so far?
That's a really hard question tbf, everyone in the division deserves to be there and it's been very competitive so far. I honestly can't give an answer to this as everyone has their own strengths and provides a different challenge.
Is there anyone in the division you particularly enjoy racing wheel-to-wheel with?
I would say Goose, unfortunately due to my own standards slipping but, last season we had some very good battles out in front and both were able to keep it clean while going wheel to wheel on multiple occasions. The one that sticks in the mind is Hungary which lasted multiple laps and kept nice and clean.
Any rivalries heating up already, or is everyone behaving themselves?
Everyone is behaving themselves I would say, it's still early days so nobody wants to take a risk and ruin their race. Currently the risk isn't worth the reward as there's still a long way to go.
Looking back at the first four races, is there a strategy call or personal decision you would change if you could?
Probably at Spa, the final knock which just put the nail in the coffin. Going into En-Rouge wheel-to-wheel and unfortunately it ended with me going into the wall.
So obviously hindsight is a great thing, I would have lifted off so I was in the slipstream for the straight after instead.
How confident are you in your team’s strategy approach heading into the middle part of the season?
Very confident, always have to believe in what you're doing and know things will come together.
Do you think consistency or aggression will be the key to climbing higher in the standings?
Probably a bit of both, I need to be on from the start - qualifying well, meaning I need to try and get some time in to practice which will also help with getting better acquainted with the new car.
But also aggression, in Miami, I had the opportunity for the overtake but went for the more cautious approach meaning backing off and not completing the overtake - this ended up in my losing the back end going through a corner a couple laps later behind the same car.
What’s your target for the next few races?
Top 3, nothing less. It has to be now. Unfortunately I missed China so no points were gained which alone puts me on the backfoot to everyone else in the league. So now I need to start putting in some solid performances and picking up some points.
Are there specific circuits coming up that you feel suit your driving style?
Silverstone is a big one, going off previous years, I'm normally good all round there - dry and rain, so I'm hoping this upcoming race I can qualify well and get on with the race without any drama.
Portugal and Brazil are tracks I enjoy as well so, we will see how they go.
You said at the end of last season, that you could see yourself running the title close. Is this view still in sight and how do you plan to turn it around?
Don't want to be defeatist but, it's going to be a uphill challenge now.
As I mentioned, missing China doesn't help and then pairing that with what happened at Spa and Miami and put into 5th. There's a bit of work to do and I am going to need some wins if I want to pull this back.
After the car change, still trying to learn the areas it's strong in and also understand the limits better - maybe we have to look longer term to next season.
However, saying that - I'm not one to give up and will constantly be going out there aiming for the win.
Finally. You played a big part in the constructors championship win last season at Haas. Now being again 1 half of arguably the strongest driver pairing do you fancy your chances of making it 2 in a row?
Yes most definitely, I've got a really good teammate who's also a challenger for the title.
Pushing me to do better but also we get on a pairing - it's no Alonso and Hamilton. We are a great pairing and will keep pushing.
If I can't make the drivers champion - I'll definitely be pushing to bring home the constructors for us both.
Thanks a lot for your time and good luck for the races and season ahead.