Interview: Alexander Rossi

Alexander Rossi is currently the closest America will get to having an F1 driver. Rossi has the raw speed and talent to make it in the sport and has already been climbing the steps to reach the top.

Currently in his 2nd year of Formula Renault 3.5, Alex started as any racing driver did. After progressing through karting he dominated Formula BMW in America before finding success in Europe. A decent 9th place in the GP2 Asia series in 2009-2010 saw him on the cusp of entering the series for the full season, but monetary funds meant he instead switched his focus to the newly former GP3 series. After having a successful year he moved up to Formula Renault's 3.5 category and finished the year in 3rd place. He was signed as the Caterham F1 team test driver for 2012 and was able to reach his dream and drive an F1 car during FP1 at the 2012 Spanish GP.

Alex talks to me about that, plus much more.

1) Hello Alex! Thanks for answering these questions, first I want to ask about how you got into motor racing, what was your first experience of driving?

My father first introduced me to motor racing at a very young age. We would go to the Champ car (now IndyCar) races at Laguna Seca in Monterrey, California. It was a special time and after a while I started to develop a passion for the sport. I first got into a go-kart at ten years old and have never looked back since then. 

2) Who did you look up to in Motor racing when you were coming through the ranks and why that/those people?

Mika Haikkonen, as he seemed to be the only person that was able to take on Michael during his incredibly dominant era in Formula One.  

3) You raced in the Formula BMW USA and Europe series, where there any major differences between racing on the different continents?

I actually never competed in Formula BMW Europe, but I can tell you that when I first began racing overseas in 2009, it was a massive shock. The level was immediately higher and you were forced to fight for every position just as if it was for the championship. But at the same time, what I also noticed was the respect that ran through the field and while they would push you around, they would always give you just enough space to survive. 

4) Looking through your career you competed in the GP2 Asia Series but then moved to a full season of GP3, why did you take that path instead of going straight into GP2?

Honestly, it came down to budgetary concerns. We had the opportunity with a couple top level GP2 teams, but the budget wasn’t there when it needed to be. Instead of running with a mid-pack GP2 team, we decided to compete in the newly formed GP3 with a team that was perceived to be at the top of their class. 

5) Last year you competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 series, how big is the step from the FR3.5 cars to F1?

The step is actually not that big at all, especially with this years’ edition of the FR3.5 car. We are as quick if not a bit quicker than GP2 this year and that makes the transition to Formula 1 virtually seamless. The major differences that you have to adapt to come off the track when dealing with the pressures of being in the paddock, along with the responsibility to the team in terms of delivering feedback to help develop the car in all the different areas of performance. 

6) This is a tough question but looking back at all of your team mates throughout your past career, who would you say was the toughest or most talented?

It’s difficult to say who is the most talented, but my GP3 teammate, Esteban Guttierez made me work extremely hard on and off track to deliver results. 

7) You became the first American in 5 years to drive an F1 car when you emerged from the Caterham garage at the Spanish GP for Free Practice 1, how did it feel driving the car and what were your main aims for that 1 hour 30 minute session?

That experience was truly one of the best of my career as for those 90 minutes I got to be on the same level as the current race drivers. The aim of that session was to evaluate 3 different rear wings as well as a variety of KERS maps. The team was very pleased with how it went and the fact that my pace was there from the onset was a big plus as well. 

8) The US GP returns this season at Austin, what do you think of the track?

I think the track is fantastic. Some of the new circuits in Formula 1 in the past have lacked a bit of emotion and the Circuit of the Americas certainly seems to be breaking that trend. They are doing something very cool by incorporating some of the most legendary corners from current grand prix tracks into the circuit. Add that to the elevation changes and you have got yourself a racetrack. 

9) Formula 1 is a tough sport, what 3 qualities do you think are the most important when trying to crack motor racing?

First and foremost you have to be quick. Second, you have to be clever and know how to exploit the opportunities that are presented to you. Third, you have to have faith that even when things get difficult you cannot give up on the dream and the belief that you have the talent and capabilities to win. 

10) Finally looking at the 2012 F1 season as it is, what do you think of having 7 different winners in 7 races? Some drivers have said it could drive fans away but what do you think, also who are your tips for the titles, or can you not say at this stage in the season?

I think that the uncertainty and diversity of this years’ championship is awesome for the fans, albeit very difficult for the teams and drivers. It is going to force them to stay creative and never be complacent, as you only seem to be as good as your last race. Based on the fact that Alonso led the championship going into Montreal in what we all know is an un-competitive car, wait until Ferrari make everything click. Fernando will be magic as in my opinion he is by far the best driver on the grid.