Interview: Nicolas Longuet – The Underdog of F1 Esports
With only 1 race in 2019, Nicolas Longuet had established himself as the hope of F1 Esports. In 2020, the Frenchman left a mark again with two victories, but what is the young driver's view on his season?
A year ago, we had the opportunity to interview Nicolas Longuet after his first F1 Esports race for Red Bull, in which he finished on the podium. An incredible achievement by the young Frenchman that fueled many hopes for 2020. While expectations were that he would stay with the champion team Red Bull and hopefully do more than one race, Nicolas Longuet ultimately decided to join Renault Vitality, which offered him a starting role. The French team finished in 4th place in 2019 and the title for 2020 was the goal.
Ultimately, Renault’s season was a bit too inconsistent at times to compete against Red Bull and Alfa Romeo. While the second Renault drivers experienced some difficulties, this was not the case for Nicolas Longuet, who showed incredible pace and established himself as the dark horse of the F1 Esports 2020.
What was your goal at the start of the season?
The first was to demonstrate that I deserved my place in the F1 Esports Series after competing in just one race in 2019 with Red Bull. Then, of course, it was about reaching the podium in the drivers’ and constructors’ standings. I narrowly missed the first, but mission accomplished for the second.
What is the difference for you between Renault and Red Bull?
There are several differences actually. The first is the close relationship between the eSports team and the F1 team. We were based in Enstone and used the team’s facilities, as well as the advice from the Renault Academy’s physical trainer. In terms of preparation, thanks to Vitality and our coach Richard Arnaud, we also worked a lot on reflexes, telemetry, concentration, and lifestyle habits.
Do you regret leaving Red Bull knowing they won their 2nd consecutive title?
No, not at all. I learned a lot in 2019 alongside Frederik and Joni, but Renault offered me a preparation context, living conditions, and resources that seemed more suitable for me. Renault even had plans to test my abilities in real situations, but COVID decided otherwise.
What is it like to win a race in F1 Esports?
It’s extremely gratifying! We spend so many hours, so much energy preparing, and then the mental pressure is also extremely high during the race. When we cross the finish line, we feel empty but accomplished. Then if it’s not the last race of the round, we don’t have much time to savor our victory. We have to start preparing for the next race and start all over again.
We have seen you several times this season lose victory in the last moments of the race. Is leading the race an advantage or is it better to be in 2nd place?
I think leading the race is always an advantage. You never know what can happen. Then, on certain circuits and thanks to the ERS, it’s true that strategically, being in P2 can then allow you to win the race. But in Brazil, I led and I won.
You were the only driver this season able to compete with the Alfa Romeo and Red Bull drivers, in your opinion why have they been so strong in 2020?
They are very fast drivers but also because they made fewer mistakes than the others. The same mistakes I made during qualifying and generally always in Q2. Without them, I could have fought for the title, I think.
During the last round, you scored as many points as Jarno Opmeer (43 points). That must be motivating for next season?
Of course. I approached the last round quite differently compared to the second and third. I made a small mistake in Mexico, but in Japan and Brazil, I was able to handle my qualifications with more maturity. No need to be the fastest in Q2 to move on to Q3.
Due to Covid-19, this season was unusual because most of the drivers were at home, but not you who were in the Renault factory. Did having the team physically near you help?
Yes and no. Even though we were in Enstone, the health regulations inside the factory were really strict. We weren’t allowed to move around freely and apart from running into Alonso in the canteen, we were quite confined in a way. However, it allowed us to exercise, train together with Fabrizio and Casper, and receive incredible technical support from the Renault F1 IT engineers. Plus, I wouldn’t have been able to participate from home. My internet connection is just disastrous.
Does the 35% format compared to the 25% change anything in your approach to the race?
The 35% format changes a bit but not that much. It’s certain that you can no longer make a pitstop on the second lap with an offbeat strategy. Let’s say 50% would allow for more interesting tire management and the possibility to come back even if you’re involved in a collision at the start of the race. I wish there were more races. 12 is not a lot!
The goal for next season is the title?
The goal is still the same. Win! And so yes, my objectives are the driver and constructor titles. I know I have the abilities and that I won’t make the small mistakes I did this year.
