Baku, December 9, AZERTAC
A press conference has been held within the Prize-Giving Ceremony of the International Automobile Federation – FIA to honor the champions for the 2023 season.
During the briefing, the competition-winning pilots shared interesting events from their careers with journalists.
Seven-time F1 Champion, British Lewis Hamilton described piloting as challenging and exhilarating experience. He said: “I met many of the new pilots. I think they're in a pretty competitive position. Definitely there are ups and downs within all seasons. There were ups and downs, and from the moment we started driving the car, realizing that we will not be probably fine for Championship. And then just refocusing and reset new goals, and then working towards catching up and just we are pleased to see that we never gave up. No one in the team gave up.”
Sharing his impressions following his victory, three-time world champion Max Verstappen said: “We've won a lot as a team, but also just been really enjoyable to work with everyone inside the team. Of course, once, you know, winning a few in a row, you want to keep that momentum going and the pressure is always on to do well. I was just trying to do the best I could and enjoy it as well. Because you know, that these kind of, you know, great moments, they don't come along that often that well, you know. So, it was a very good year.”
FIA Karting world champion Dries Van Langendonck noted that all pilots prepare for many tests throughout the year. According to him, the most important thing in the race is tire management. “In my last race, I was behind in the first lap because we were less aware of the pressure, and then I took the lead with a nice pass. At the last moment, I realized that I am the champion," he underlined.
The Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO Christian Horner said: “As the team has been evolving, you are always in pursuit perfection and always working to improve. “So, there are many things we can improve on from this season. There is things that we can make better that we can improve on. I think that determination to keep evolving, improving is what drives the whole team forward.”
2023 FIA World Rally Raid Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah mentioned that although traveling between countries was challenging, he liked Azerbaijan very much. “Before I set out on a journey, I think I set out to win. Sport has helped me in many aspects of my life. We work very hard, it's very interesting," he added.
Noting that the most successful races of his career were in Azerbaijan, pilot Mathieu Baumel said: “I mean we have started a new season. I have always managed to be in the top three, top five, and I thought I would win the championship again. I feel very good with the team. There are exciting moments ahead of us.”
Formula 1 champion Jake Dennis said that he experienced many different emotions after the race. "The consistency was obviously what wins the championship in the end. It was only reasonably easy and we ended up obviously breaking our own record each race so it was a pretty special year. I had a great team around me," he emphasized.