By Infiniti Red Bull racing
May 9 2014

We bring you the first in a series of exclusive interviews with Sebastian this season. In part 1 we cover everything from the music he listens to before a race to what he buys online in his spare time.

You've often got your headphones on before you get in the car. What sort of things are you listening to? Is it stuff to help you visualise or is it music?
SV: It is nothing specific, just melodies that keep me focused for the race, for example some music from the Rocky movies.

What kind of music do you like to listen to normally? Daniel's into fairly extreme metal, what's your cup of tea?
SV: A fairly wide range, but I don't like metal and music that is too aggressive. I like old rock music a lot.

What do you think makes drivers so competitive? It seems that in motor racing it's an even stronger force than in other sports?
SV: I suppose it is in people's genes that they are competitive and I don't think that in motor racing there is a stronger force of being competitive than in any other sport. It all depends on the personality of the sportsman, no matter in which area he or she is competing. Also I think there are some drivers in motor racing that are more competitive than others.

Are you ultra-competitive outside the car? Do you have to win when you take part in any competition – Trivial Pursuit? Pictionary?
SV: From what I remember I have never liked losing. Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to win in whatever I was doing. As I mentioned previously, I suppose it is in peoples genes if they are competitive or not.

Looking back to how you were when you came into this sport, how do you think you've changed over the years? Is it hard to remain as accessible as you might have been even in your first year with The Team?
SV: Well like everyone else, I am a bit older and part of the natural process is that with experience you grow up and, I hope, get a bit wiser. I don't think my real character has changed much but, of course, with the success at Infiniti Red Bull Racing and winning four championships there has suddenly been a huge amount of interest from a lot of people who all want something and want you to say yes. The problem is there are so many people asking that you just can't give everyone the same amount of time and sometimes you just have to say no, which is something people don't want to hear!

The huge growth in attention is obviously something Daniel is having to cope with now. What's your advice to him for dealing with that pressure of people wanting more of him?
SV: Well I am sure he will find out himself. Everybody is different and each of us has to work out for himself how best to deal with these pressures.

Everybody has visions of F1 stars having a glamorous life but you don't seem to care about yachts and planes? Are you not tempted to enjoy the fruits of your labours?
SV: I am and do – but my fruits don't contain yachts and planes. All people are different, I am happy with what I have got. Also for me the most important thing is to spend time with the people that are important to me.

If you did go on a spending spree, what extravagant thing would you buy? Beach house? Private jet? Football team? Your own weight in fried chicken?
SV: I don't want to buy any of these items. The most valuable thing you can´t buy. This is time, freedom and peace with yourself.

Do you ever buy anything on the internet and what is the last thing that you bought? Was it any good?
SV: Usually I don't buy so much on the internet, I think it is nicer to actually go in a shop and touch the products, or try them on...I don't remember buying anything special lately. The last thing I do remember is a sim card adapter for my phone!