“Your name has been circulating for some time. Are you happy that your commitment to Haas from 2025 is finally official?
I felt like I had performed well in every session with Ferrari and Haas. I always came out of the car thinking that I had given a good impression of myself, that I had performed well and that I could be proud of myself. And I thought that if I kept going like this, I could do enough to get a seat in F1.
I’m happy that it’s now confirmed. Because in Formula 1, until you sign on paper, it’s not really official. You can’t celebrate things too early. I was relieved when we signed. But I should have filmed myself because I didn’t really… I just signed and that’s it, it was done (laughs). There’s also excitement, thinking that these last 11 or 12 years with all the work and sacrifices I’ve made have finally paid off with this signing.
“The F2 season continues to be difficult and that always leaves a bit of doubt”
The paradox is that you are having a difficult season in Formula 2, with your 14th place in the Championship. Even though you won the sprint race in Austria last weekend.
This victory couldn’t have come at a better time. But yes, it continues to be complicated in F2, since I had another engine failure in the main race on Sunday. I had the impression that all the work had gone down the drain. This victory was not only important for my ambitions in F1 but also for the team (Prema), it was necessary to give everyone motivation again.
Were you afraid that your season in F2 would cost you any chance of promotion? Or did you think that your performances behind the wheel of Formula 1 would weigh more?
I think, yes, my F1 performances really weighed, like the race in Saudi Arabia with Ferrari (in Jeddah in March). But there were also the free practices (with Haas) and test days. It always went very well. For me it mattered a little more and I think for the people who matter too it was the most important. But you can’t hide behind anything, the F2 season continues to be difficult and it always leaves a little doubt in a part of your mind even if I feel like I’m at my best.
“I especially want to improve in each race, to have the feeling that I am maximizing my performance”
Do you have a preference for your teammate? Kevin Magnussen who is already in place? Esteban Ocon who is being talked about? Or someone else?
That’s a tough question (smiles). And it’s not up to me to decide. What I would say is that I would like someone with experience and speed. Someone from whom I could learn things.
What will your ambitions be for 2025 and your first season in F1?
It’s always hard to say because things change. But from a personal point of view, I especially want to progress in each race, to have the feeling that I’m maximizing my performance. Growing my abilities throughout the year, that will be my goal.
Will you still wear number 87?
Yes, I will continue to use it, it is confirmed. I could not choose it in Jeddah. But hey, even if I could, it would have been the least of my worries. It is a number that I have used since the beginning. It was my father’s, especially because I was born on the 8th (May) and my brother on the 7th (August). 87 was my number of choice and it is still the case.
