1. What got you interested/started in racing?
My dad used to race professionally. Which then turned into me and my brother getting the opportunity. One of my dad’s friends owned an indoor theme park and he also owned a go-kart. My brother and I got to try go-kart in the parking lot for the first time and all I remember is crying because the thing is too loud. That’s how I got into it.
2. What interested you in transferring from F2 to INDYCAR?
Obviously racing in go-karts prior to that I guess you could call it a ladder you move up in terms of faster race cars, more competitive racing series, and fewer spots in those series. I was racing in F2 for two years at that time aiming to go into F1 as part of an F1 team. I had an opportunity to do a test in INDYCAR which was a little weird because I’d never really followed INDYCAR prior to that. I’d watched some Indy 500’s and that year I’d been following every race and suddenly I had an opportunity to do the test. The test went well and the very same day I was asked to do a race. I did the race and about a month later I had a signed contract.
3. How has your experience in F2 helped you these last two seasons?
I don’t think it’s just necessarily just F2 seasons it’s the experience that you gain throughout the whole year in terms of understanding the racing and developing your talents and your features as a driver. But, I definitely would say that being on such a high level obviously you always learn more than what you would than just racing go-karts against your friends. I’ve learned a lot from being a part of the F1 team and being a part of them for 5 years. They basically matured me and developed me into the driver that I am today.
4. What has been the biggest learning curve coming over to INDYCAR (besides ovals)?
Consistency I would say. I think the biggest learning curve and the most critical feature of not just INDYCAR but any racing series, in general, is you have to be very consistent. We’ve seen it this year with Alex Palou. If it’s whatever type of track he’s on he’s always competitive. That’s for sure always the toughest part. I’d say from year 1 to year 2 we’ve definitely improved that from at least on my car. I’ve gotten a lot better at that. I think it’s just being race smart and ready to understand how the race really unfolds.
5. Can you describe your thoughts/feelings/emotions after you won your first INDYCAR race in Toronto? When did it hit you that you’ve won?
It still hasn’t. I don’t think it’s going to to be honest. The first INDYCAR podium at the Indy GP last year in July it was pure relief from my side in terms of just being glad we got it done as a team. We struggled at the beginning of the season and I knew that the first win was going to be a matter of time rather than if it was going to happen. We got it done at one of the events where we didn’t expect to win which was cool. I love the whole track. I love going to Toronto. If it wasn’t a different country I’d probably go to that city as a weekend trip. It’s just been pure relief but at the same time the season isn’t done so I haven’t really sat down and thought about it.
6. What’s your favorite INDYCAR track to race at?
Great question. All of them. I like racing.
I know that this is a get to know me and that is me.
7. Which track presents the most unique challenges?
I’d say the Indy 500. It’s not just so much about the track but because it’s such a fast oval. It’s a super speedway and Texas is a little bit of the same. But Indy is very unique in terms of everything can happen. It’s the same way for a lot of race tracks but I think that one just means so much more so than every other track. The competitiveness of everybody wanting to win that one specific race.
8. When you’re not behind the wheel of a race car or at a track, what are you doing?
Play golf. Lay on my couch. I’d say primarily spend time with my friends. I don’t get to do it with my family. I live about 6,000 miles away from them. I’m a very chill guy. Whenever I can get time to do nothing; I will do nothing.