
10 Minutes With… Carlos Sainz Jr
Once you drive a Formula One car, you don't enjoy driving other things that much. Anything else is for me, super slow and not fun. I know people are really into road cars. I do have my little collection, but nothing compares to a Formula One car. So in that sense, I'm a bit boring.
Motivation is never an issue. I'm lucky enough to do the sport that I love the most. It's a dream come true for me to call that my job. It's more about trying to stay disciplined and always chasing the best version of myself both on track and off the track. So, how do I keep the mental energy to find those small details that make me a better athlete or a better person? And for that you need good recovery and good routines.
L’Oréal Paris is number one in the beauty sector and F1 is all about trying to be number one. So the partnership aligns well with my values. The L’Oréal Men Expert cleanser is something that I use before bed. And every day, I wear the SPF 50. I need to as I'm an outdoors kind of guy and I realise how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. In the end, it’s just healthier.
Cycling and golf are how I enjoy my time off. I think golf is a great sport for spending time outdoors with your friends and family, in the sunlight playing a sport that is mentally challenging, but physically not too much. Cycling is more for my fitness in racing. Apart from that, I hit the gym two to three times a week, and I try to see my family and friends, and spend quality time at home – just very normal stuff.
Outside of Spain, I've always felt very close to Italy. I grew up there, lived there while I was a Ferrari driver for four years and always loved the food. I really like Mexico too. I feel like I've always had a special connection to all my Mexican fans, especially after winning there last year. Last but not least, Japan is always super interesting to visit and see first person how different the cultures can be. It's one that I am curious to keep learning about.
On race day, I eat real and simple foods that I've tried before, and I know I can digest well. Morning is toast, half an avocado and three eggs, normally with an orange juice or a coffee. Lunch is always chicken and rice. By the time I get to dinner, I know I’m in a calorie deficit, so I can eat a bit more and will give myself a bit of a treat with a dessert or a ramen.
I try to follow the classic gentleman look, rather than go for anything too modern. You need to keep an eye on what you are going to wear, but my style hasn't changed. Formula One has grown, so we tend to attend more premieres, red carpets, big dinners and events. Another partner that I have is Hackett London – in my career, I'm trying to align myself and my partners to fit into what I've always been, and be true to myself.
My dad was a double world champion in rallying and one of the best to ever do it. As a mentor he is a great part of what I have become today. Because he always had a clever attitude towards racing and professional sports, and because I was brought up with what he believed was the right attitude, and because I have learned from his mistakes, he has made me the person and the athlete that I am today. I will always be thankful for that because every athlete needs a mentor and someone to guide them when they are 11, 12, 13 years old.
Follow @CarlosSainz55 and visit L’Oréal Paris to see the full men’s skincare selection.
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