Michael Schumacher’s accident was a shock for me

Jannik Sinner, a Ferrari fan at the Abu Dhabi GP: “We tennis players are as alone as the drivers. In the car, I isolate myself. Did I gift myself a Ferrari? I won’t say now. Am I like Verstappen? Like him, I don’t chase records.”

He waved the checkered flag, took a lap with Leclerc in a Ferrari 296, discovered the secrets of the drivers, and had a blast—Jannik Sinner’s debut as a Formula 1 ambassador was a memorable one.

What was it like sitting next to Charles?

“An incredible experience. We message each other, but we had never met in person. I had an idea of what to expect, as I had already driven at Fiorano, but not with him. His control is amazing.”

Next time, will you be driving?

“I don’t think so. It’s better if he drives…”

Have you arranged the padel match you talked about?

“It’s really hard to match our schedules. But I still hope so.”

Your tennis is as fast as F1. What does speed mean to you?

“Freedom. It means knowing your limits, respecting everything, and having fun. Even when I started skiing, I always tried to go as fast as possible. And in a car, of course—on track. I love the sound of the engine. No, I’m not scared. Today, I enjoyed it.”

You drive karts when you can.

“Last year, when I was training in Alicante, I used to go to a track nearby. In Monaco, I have fun on the simulator with my friend Antonio Giovinazzi. I love driving after training—in the car, I isolate myself. I put on music and drive alone.”

Do you remember the first Grand Prix you watched?

“I always followed F1 as a kid, but I had never been to a race in person. My first memory is linked to Schumacher. When he had his skiing accident, it was a shock for me.”

In 2013, you were just a kid.

“Yes, but that moment made me realize how life can change in a second. You can’t take anything for granted—you have to live day by day and enjoy it with a purpose.”

You’ve reached your goal—becoming world No. 1. Do you feel like the Verstappen of tennis?

“I just spoke with Max, and we were commenting on something he said. He mentioned that he doesn’t chase other drivers’ records because he also values spending time with family. We are athletes, but we are also people—friends and family are the most important things. I try to do my best in tennis; from tomorrow (today, actually), I’ll resume training in Dubai, but I share his mindset.”

How do you feel?

“We’ve done tests to determine what kind of preparation to follow, which strategies to use. There’s a lot of sacrifice behind it. I’m only 23, not 27 like Verstappen, and I’ve only had one top-level season. The goal isn’t just to win for three years but to still be competing at 30. This season was incredible, but everything can change.”

If you are Verstappen, is Carlos Alcaraz Hamilton?

“Hamilton has more experience, so it’s hard to compare. But on the court, like in a car, we are alone. Still, the consistency and stability Max has shown are impressive.”

Differences between drivers and tennis players?

“I don’t know how they do it—giving interviews two minutes before getting into the car, then putting on the helmet and going… In tennis, it’s not like that.”

Is it true that you recently bought yourself a Ferrari?

“I don’t want to say just yet.”