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Q: You said
at the end of last season that you felt it was the right time to retire from
Formula One, what has changed?
A: My intention was always to race somewhere, as I still have the
passion for racing and competing. I also have a strong love for Williams as
I have enjoyed the last three years with the team, and therefore coming back
to help give stability and experience to drive things forward in 2017 was
something that felt right to do.
Q: Could you
have looked at other opportunities to stay in Formula One, if you were still
open to the idea?
A: I have a passion for racing, for competing and for fighting on the track.
My return is not about seeing Formula One as the best option, but is about
seeing the role at Williams as the best option. I would not have returned
for any other team.
Q: You left
the sport on such a high at the end of last season, is there a danger that
you won’t get the same reception now you have returned?
A: The scenes I saw in Brazil and Abu Dhabi last year are ones that I will
never forget. I am so grateful for everything that happened last year and
all the kind messages. Whatever happens this season, I will always leave the
sport with my head held high.
Q: Do you
still have the desire to race in Formula One?
A: When I joined Williams back in 2014 I found a team – and a family – that
I have loved being a part of. I certainly haven’t lost the desire to race
and fight on track. Whatever I would have turned my hand to this year, I
would have been putting 100% effort into doing the best job that I can, and
if I didn’t have that passion, I would not have agreed to return.
Q: You have
been linked to a number of different race series over the winter, how far
had conversations gone?
A: Since announcing my retirement last year, I had been assessing my options
and there were a number of opportunities presented to me that I could have
pursued. However, I have made my decision and therefore this is now my
focus.
Q: How does
it feel to be replacing your old teammate Valtteri?
A: Going to the current World Champions is a great opportunity for Valtteri.
He is a talented racer and it was great working alongside him for three
years. I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.
Q: Can we
assume that money was a factor in your decision to return to Formula One?
A: I won’t be discussing figures or any details regarding the negotiations.
All I will say is that this was the right decision and I am happy to
continue as part of the team.
Q: What
helped make the decision and what factors did you take into consideration?
A: I think what happened at the end of last season with Nico’s unexpected
retirement sparked a unique turn of events. Valtteri has been offered a
fantastic opportunity and, as a result, an opportunity arose for me. When
the media began reporting that I might return, I was touched by the response
from so many fans who wanted to see me back in the sport. That was certainly
a factor in the decision, so I’d like to thank the fans for their support.
But, at the end of the day, when I received the call it was an offer I
couldn’t refuse. It was Williams!
Q: Can you
confirm this is a one-year deal?
A: At present this is a deal for 2017 only and I have not thought beyond.
Q: What are
your thoughts on your new teammate Lance Stroll?
Q: I’m looking forward to working with Lance, having known him for a long
time. He has proved in the championships he has competed in so far that he
deserves this opportunity, and it’s great to welcome new talent into Formula
One. Lance may be young, but Williams has a history of bringing young
drivers into the sport. He knows there is a steep learning curve ahead, but
motorsport is a team sport and I look forward supporting him in any way I
can.
Q: What are
your thoughts and hopes for 2017?
A: It’s going to be an exciting year with all the regulation changes and I’m
going to be spending lots of time with the team now preparing for the
season. It’s too soon to make predictions, as we haven’t even turned a
wheel. But I can say that I’m very much looking forward to driving the FW40
when testing begins next month.
Q: Williams
is celebrating 40 years in Formula One this year, are you looking forward to
being part of that?
A: Yes, very much. Williams has such a great history in the sport and
reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement. I know the team has more
plans to celebrate this year and I’m looking forward to being part of them. |
