Carlos Sainz on his work philosophy, Enzo Ferrari and first year with the Maranello team. Carlos Sainz interview.

After six ever-ascendant years in F1, Ferrari debutant Carlos Sainz pulls alongside his Monégasque teammate for a chat:

Why did you choose to become a racing car driver?
Carlos Sainz: Growing up I began to realise who my father was [editor’s note: Carlos Sainz Snr is a two-time world rally champion] and my interest in racing grew very quickly. Then the era of Fernando Alonso began ­and I fell immediately in love with this sport.

We are going to be working together, so I’d like to know your work philosophy.
I believe in hard work, in being demanding of myself on every occasion, in paying attention to every little detail and trying to create the right atmosphere in whichever work environment I find myself.

If I say ‘Enzo Ferrari’, what comes to mind?
Carlos Sainz: Enzo Ferrari represents many, many things. His absolute determination and his way of interpreting sports car racing have led to the creation of the most important – and most victorious – marque in racing history!

There can’t not be some competition between us. What do you expect from our first year together?
Carlos Sainz: The important thing is to have a respectful relationship on and off the track. You will try to beat me and I will try to beat you! But I’m sure it’s going to be healthy competition and that we will share feedback about the car and work together to carry Ferrari forward.

What impressed you most upon arriving at Ferrari?
Carlos Sainz: Perhaps the thing that excited me the most was my first ever day at the factory and the test at Fiorano, at the end of January. Doing my first out-in with a Rossa was really something!