Interview Nicolas Longuet: French Hope of F1 Esports
With only one race to his name this season, Nicolas Longuet has already impressed the F1 Esports world by finishing the race in second place, ahead of the championship leaders!
How did you find your first race of the season?
The first race went well, a podium is always good for the team. We have increased the gap between the teams behind the constructors, and that’s what matters most.
Were you nervous before the race?
Of course, I was a bit nervous before the race, but I had practiced enough to know what I could do and I was confident that a solid result was possible after qualifying in third place.
How many hours of training are needed to perform at this level?
Normally, we train 6 to 7 hours a day every day, and during our one-week training camp before the event, we move to 10 to 11 hours a day.
You simulated a few pit stops during the race. How did you come up with this idea?
I wanted Bereznay to stop because I knew the overcut was very powerful at Monza, so I saw it as my only chance to break his DRS.
Are you more disappointed about missing the victory or happy to secure a podium in your first race?
Mixed feelings. Of course, I wanted to get the victory, but after a few days, I realize that P2 is very strong for my debut and good for the team.
Even if you didn’t drive in the first races, with the numerous laps you did outside of the races, one could say that Red Bull’s first place is partly thanks to you.
Even though I didn’t drive in the first 8 races, I always practiced with them and helped with setups and strategies where I could. Many drivers go unnoticed because of this, and their work should be recognized more often.
What’s it like to drive alongside Frederik Rasmussen? Does he give you any advice?
Frederik is one of the fastest sim racing drivers I have ever met. I learn from him in every session, he gives me advice on what to do and I couldn’t improve as much without him.
Red Bull has a 35-point lead over Ferrari. Do you think Ferrari can catch up to you?
There are still three races to go, anything can happen. A 35-point lead is certainly difficult to overcome, but a single bad race for Red Bull could completely reopen the constructors’ championship.
Can we hope to see you at the last races?
I hope you will see me running at the next event. This decision is not up to me, but I loved driving Monza and I will definitely train just as hard for the next event.
