BMW-Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld

2009 Questions and Answers

How important is talent in F1, and how much of the driver’s art can be learnt?
Talent, to me, means good instincts, good vehicle control, enjoying what you’re doing and, last but not least, being very fast. Those aren’t things you can learn, and to that extent talent is the most important thing a driver needs. But you still have to put a lot of work in to get the best out of yourself. Data recording now covers pretty much everything and it can teach you a lot. But interpreting the data and drawing the right conclusions takes time and concentration.

What’s the most important thing you learnt in 2008?
That it pays to keep a cool head in any situation.

What difference do you expect the reintroduction of slicks to make?
In previous years I’ve always said that slicks were the first change I would like to see. So I’m happy to see them come back. F1 cars belong on slicks. They look better too. I never liked the idea of making compromises at the one and only interface between the power and capabilities of a Formula One car and the track surface. I think slicks will help my driving style. Then again, Formula One cars, particularly with the forthcoming changes, are extremely complex, and so are tyres. So I can’t really say anything for sure until we’ve got some experience under our belts with the F1.09 and have measured ourselves against the competition.

How far do you think you and the team can go in 2009?
It’s been impressive the way we achieved our goals in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Normally I would say we would be sure to do it again in 2009, and be in with a fighting chance of winning the title. But all the new rules for next season could potentially create a whole new ballgame. I very much hope, though, that we’ll
put in a strong performance.

You’re interested in art – do you have a favourite piece?
Yes, it’s a work by the Canadian artist Zilon, called “Demons”, and it’s been hanging above our dining table for a number of years. At first sight it looks rather chaotic, just coloured lines and thick splotches of paint. But gradually you start to discover the faces of the demons – at first just one in the centre of the
picture, then more and more of them, until finally they’re everywhere. It’s an exciting piece. I bought it in Montreal, where there are some great galleries in the old quarter. That’s one of the reason’s I hope to get back there again some time soon!

Your own personal fleet of cars is growing. What models do you own?
I’ve got a BMW M3, which I really enjoy driving, and an X5, which we can also pack the children and the dog into. The X5 is not just very spacious, it’s also ideal in the Swiss mountains, where we often have snow. Patricia is still driving a MINI Cooper S. We’ve also got some classics, like a 1967 Beetle convertible. I’m extremely fond of that car. My mother has always driven a Beetle convertible, and still does. To my mind the whole sound, and the memories it brings back, make it the best convertible in the world. I also like the styling of the Ford Mustang – I own a 1965 fastback. There’s a 1966 Fiat 500 in our garage as well.

No sports cars?
Oh yes. But if I say I’ve got a Ferrari, a Porsche or a Lotus, people think I’m boasting. And that’s not my thing.

Do you ever feel afraid?
On the race track I’m hardly ever afraid – except if I’m involved in a spin or an accident and waiting for the impact. Obviously that’s a moment when you do feel scared. Otherwise, when I think back to my childhood, everybody used to say I didn’t know the meaning of the word fear. If there was something to
climb or something else to get up to, there was no holding me back.

Interview: Questions to Nick Heidfeld:

How important are your fans for you?

Very! I think we have one of the best fan clubs of all. There’s a good atmosphere. But I’m not at the centre of things to the extent one might imagine. Of course it’s about me, but it’s also about having fun together. The atmosphere is relaxed. We go karting and partying together. At the race track I naturally meet most of my fans at races in Germany. I really enjoy that and it’s a great support. From that point of view I’m disappointed that we will only be having one grand prix in Germany from now on. But you also have to see it from
the point of view that it was great to have two GPs for such a long time. Fans abroad are always an interesting reflection of the mentality and culture of the country. Asians, for example, are shy as long as they are alone. But once you get a group of them – and that can be two or three people – they start to mob you. Things quickly descend into chaos, and it can be very amusing.

Your girlfriend Patricia didn’t attend so many races in 2006. Do you miss her company?

Definitely. I always like to have my family, and especially Patricia, around me at races. During the day there’s no time for them of course, but there is in the evenings, and that takes your mind off things. You can talk about other matters, which is important. Since we’ve had little Juni – who will be two in July – her needs have taken priority. You can’t keep travelling around the world with a baby in tow, and she would be totally out of place in the paddock. When Patricia and Juni accompany me, Grandma usually comes along as well and looks after Juni in the hotel.

Do you ring up and report home after each practice session?

No. Only if I have an accident do I get in touch straightaway to put their minds at rest. But I don’t bore Patricia telling her which rear wing setting was better in which turn. We phone a lot but then we talk about other things and about Juni. Videophoning is fantastic. That way I was able to witness live how my daughter took her first steps, even though I wasn’t at home. 

Formula One has changed since you made your debut in 2000. Have you changed as well – your driving style, your approach?

Technical modifications or changes to the rules influence your driving style. With the less powerful V8 engines, for example, you have to take the corners slightly differently than you used to with the V10 engines. Because the engines have to last longer, it means you sometimes cut down on engine speed. Essentially my driving style has been refined over the years. In a go-kart I was still known as a metal-basher, but already by my Formula Ford days I was treating the material and the tyres with care. That is still the case today. My general approach to Formula One has certainly become a bit cooler, and the initial respect has given way to routine. What has also changed over the years is that I don’t stay in the paddock as long in the evenings.
I’m still one of the last drivers to leave, but in the past I often stayed till midnight, poring over data. Eventually you can’t see the wood for the trees any more, and your sleep suffers.

What does security mean for you?

Privately security means having a healthy family and enough money to let you sleep in peace. In private and in motor sport, there’s no such thing as absolute security. The cars and the race tracks have got significantly safer over the years, but there’s still an element of risk. If wheels touch or visibility is bad in a wet race, things get dangerous. Everyone has to decide for himself whether to take these risks or not. For me the answer is a clear affirmative.

What does happiness mean for you?
I distinguish between professional and private happiness. Privately, my greatest happiness is Patricia, Juni and Joda. Children are simply the greatest thing you can have. We’re a proper family, and I would like to see our children grow up with us in the same free and happy way that I was able to. In professional terms, I regard myself as basically very lucky to be able to do the thing that above all I always wanted to. Today I’m in a better position than ever because at last I’m in a car with which I can drive up there among the front-runners.
That’s a great feeling. Also, I haven’t had as much bad luck as I used to and I’m very fit. Only if you’re in peak health can you prepare yourself optimally.
That’s happiness as well – though sporting success in Formula One has little to do with happiness and more with precision work on and beside the track. But clutching a winner’s or championship trophy in my hands would certainly release quite a few happy hormones!

Have you slowed down since your children came along?
Oh yes! But only if the kids are in the car.

What is luxury for you?
First and foremost it’s things that I don’t need but that I enjoy. The latest mobile phone, clothes, cars etc. One luxury I can’t buy and really relish is free time. Privately, I just love to potter about. Sometimes I really get on the family’s nerves.

Do you have more fans than you used to?
I don’t really know precisely, of course. At any rate, I get more fan mail and there are more members in my fan club. In fact, I really enjoy the club. It’s just as I imagine it. I’m not an exotic you can’t talk to. We have fun together, it’s a relaxed atmosphere. We go karting together and party together. From time to time members will travel great distances to the races and turn up in China or somewhere. I think that’s fantastic.