Spielberg bei Knittelfeld (Austria) (AFP)

Sebastian Vettel's successor at Ferrari next year, the Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr displays behind his barrier mask against the Covid-19 "high confidence" and promises, during a video interview with AFP, to devote himself to McLaren during the F1 season which opens Sunday in Austria.

Q: What are your goals in 2020?

A: "The same as last year. In terms of results, it will be difficult to do better. At the point where McLaren is in its progress, we have managed to achieve everything we could, so the objectives remain the same. same but the competition is likely to be fiercer. (...) Racing Point, in particular, is likely to make the quest for the place of 4th manufacturer complicated. Renault and we are very close for the moment, I believe. Between them and we will depend on the circuits. "

Q: Can you sign a second podium, after Brazil 2019?

A: "I'm pretty sure there will be podium chances, but they may come back to Racing Point. In modern F1, for a team like ours, there is a chance of a podium per year, so we will try, even if this chance is slim. "

Q: You start the season knowing that next year you will be at Ferrari. Does this change your approach?

A: "Honestly, I hadn't thought about it today before you talked about it. It's not a problem. On the circuit, I manage to focus 100% on McLaren to give the best for this team."

Q: When will you think of 2021?

A: "After the last lap of the last race (in 2020). Until then, I am entirely dedicated to this project and to this team. As a pilot, you do not focus on the rest, you try to win the next race. Of course, I could not win (this year) unless something unusual happens but in F1 we ​​are 100% focused on the track because there is a lot to do, a lot of shopping, not a moment to relax. "

Q: Do you already feel more light on you, even if the season opens without spectators and with less contact with the media?

A: "The atmosphere is different but I will surely realize at some point that more people will look at me because I will be at Ferrari next year. It does not bother me. Sometimes, last year, no one saw me not on TV! (laughs) So I’m not going to complain about any more attention. That said, I was surprised to see how Ferrari has followed me and analyzed my career. The amount of data that the teams have access today made me realize that even if you're not on tv, we're watching you. "

Q: What inspires you to succeed Sebastian Vettel in red?

A: "It is always a challenge to succeed a quadruple world champion with the experience of Sebastian, who is one of the best drivers in history and has always been a reference. I grew up in the junior team (from Red Bull, through which Vettel also went, note) and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. (...) It will not be easy but, at McLaren, I replaced Fernando Alonso, a double champion from the very experienced world, and I did well, so the confidence is high. "

Q: Precisely, how have you evolved since your arrival in F1?

A: "On the track, on all levels. In F1, you are constantly evolving and learning and I am sure that I will improve again this year. Outside, I became more hardworking. I understood the importance of creating a good environment in the team, to be close to the factory, in contact with everyone. "

Q: Have you learned anything from the past few months far from the circuits because of the coronavirus pandemic?

A: "I discovered that I love to travel! Sometimes we pilots complain about it. Four months at home made me realize that I love to be always active, doing what I love while traveling around of the world. Whereas before I criticized the calendar a little, sometimes too much, doing as many errands, etc. "

Q: Your opponent Lewis Hamilton can tie the record for seven world titles for Michael Schumacher this year. What do you think ?

A: "It's incredible. What Lewis has done in recent years is impressive and I respect him very much. He made the right decisions and will become a legend, for sure."

Interview by Raphaëlle PELTIER.

© 2020 AFP