Interview with Giedo van der Garde

Happy to get back in the car after the summer break?

Yes, of course, especially since we’re coming to a great track. For me, it’s kind of my home race. It’s one of my favorites. I don’t have many, but Spa is definitely one of them.

Is he part of your Top 3?

Yes, it’s definitely in the Top 3. I don’t really have a number one, but my favorites are Barcelona, Monaco, and Spa-Francorchamps.

Is victory your goal for the future?

Yes, obviously. You have to start somewhere. Don’t forget that no one has won a championship right away, except Hamilton, but he joined a very good team. I think Alonso is a good example. When he started in Formula 1, he was driving for Minardi and did well, then won world titles. I’m happy here [at Caterham], the team is working hard, and we have been progressing since the beginning of the season. We have to keep fighting and hopefully, someday we can win races.

What is the most difficult thing to learn in Formula 1 compared to the lower categories?

I think everything is complicated. Of course, you have the driving, your talent, but F1 is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s a full-time job. In other categories, you have more free time, you are only focused on your job. In F1, there are more things to do. There are more side activities; sponsors, media. You have to get used to it. I am an easygoing person, so for me, it’s going well.

You said it, the team has progressed, but you as a rookie have also evolved since the beginning of the season. What do you still need to improve on today?

To be honest, at the beginning of the season, the most important thing was to have time to grow in this environment. I think I have shown good potential by coming to Europe, both in qualifying [15th in Monaco and 14th in Spa, editor’s note] and in the race. I struggled with the tires, that was the main problem, but after some time it got better and then they [Pirelli] changed the tires so we had to readapt. But the most important thing is how you evolve as a person and as an athlete.

Are you satisfied with the new tires?

Yes, I am satisfied.

If you were in Bernie Ecclestone’s position, what would you change?

I think Bernie has a very good business. For me, I think the way the races are is very good. Maybe I would organize more races on old circuits. In Italy, there is Imola, which is very nice. There’s also Magny-Cours. The atmosphere may not be the best and the city isn’t great, but the track is pleasant. I think the new circuits are good, but there are no limits [gravel traps]. Even if you go to Monza, there aren’t really any limits anymore.

Are you happy about Austria’s return next year then?

I have never been there. I have already played some rounds on my console with video games, but it seems to be pretty awesome, so yes, I’m happy we’re going back.

Next month, the movie Rush will be released on screens. If you had to choose another subject, another season, or another period of Formula 1 history to transpose to the cinema, which would it be?

I think the next one should be the Senna-Prost duel. That would make a good movie. I saw Rush last week. It’s a very good film. You don’t see so much of the racing, but the story is fantastic.