F1 drivers want to drive in other classes: 'Better than sitting on beach'

Because of all the commitments inside and outside Formula 1, it is very difficult for drivers to enter other racing classes, creating disappointment among (some) drivers. During the press conference ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, a number of drivers spoke about their further ambitions.

"I think it's individual as a driver," states Valtteri Bottas. He himself would like to have more time to tear around the asphalt outside Formula 1: "I feel like when you drive something else, you can always unlock and discover something. It keeps you sharp." Williams driver Alexander Albon joins the Finn. The British-Thai driver temporarily did not have a seat in the premier class of motorsport after leaving Red Bull. He sought refuge in the DTM. "the way I see it is a little bit like… I did DTM, for example. Very different cars, and maybe not the most fun cars to drive, but you learn such a different way to drive quickly. You learn to be fast in other things."

The more you drive, the better you get

Fernando Alonso doesn't mince words. The Spaniard, who has driven in multiple classes outside Formula 1, such as Daytona, Le Mans and the Indy 500, thinks it is only good to drive multiple types of cars: "The more you race, the more you drive, the better you are. Instead of being in a restaurant or on a beach, or at an event or whatever. It will always be something that you put on your hard disk."

Charles Leclerc sees little opportunity to take on other classes at the moment. "Outside of the races, we also have quite a lot of events and things going on with Ferrari. So not much free time, and the free time that we have, when we have two or three days, obviously Le Mans is a very tiring race. I would love to do it one day, but Formule is the main priority."