10 questions with Esteban Gutierez

He's mexican, but football isn't his sport.

Esteban Gutierrez is one of the up and coming names in Formula One.

Even though he has endured a tough rookie season this year and has yet to claim a point, the young Mexican was all smiles during his visit to Henderson Secondary School as part of an F1 in Schools event.

The 22-year-old Sauber driver even joined the youngsters from the Chelsea FC Football School Singapore for a short kickabout.

Sitting down with The New Paper, Gutierrez answered 10 questions on F1, football and life.

1. You may have a new partner next season. Does talk of Nico Hulkenberg leaving Sauber upset you?

It doesn't upset me. At the end of the day, I am doing the best I can for the team and I'm racing for the team and myself. I have to focus on the things that are happening season by season and I'm sure the team will not change our teammates during the season.

2. How much do you know about Singapore?

The first time I was here was in 2004, when I came to visit for a few days after the Karting World Finals in Malaysia. When I came back last year, I was a GP2 driver. So this is my third trip here and, this time, as a Formula One driver. It's quite exciting and one of my favourite events.

3. Football is supposed to be Mexicans' first love. Did you take up racing because you weren't good at football?

Welll, yes (laughs). I have to say that I'm not very good at football. It's a sport I really never played because I've always preferred extreme sports, but I always try to catch the big games and enjoy them with my friends.

4. When did you know you had a career in F1? How did it happen and why?

I don't have a reason on how or why. I just did my best. I love racing and I love cars. I always knew that from the beginning and up till now, I've always done my best to be disciplined and improve all the time. I've gotten to this point now and I'm looking forward to going even further.

5. Mexico is famous for its machismo culture where men are regarded as leaders. Why are you comfortable having a female boss in team principal Monisha Kaltenborn?

She's always trying to do what's best for the team. For me, it doesn't make a difference if it's a lady boss or a guy, as long as the right work is done.

6. They say the most gifted drivers do well on street circuits. Do you agree?

No. You've really got to adapt well to street circuits, and every kind of circuit along with every kind of driving style. I think this is what makes a driver complete - being able to adapt to any circumstance.

7. Outside of sports, who was your hero growing up?

My father. Whether it was about business, growing up and getting to know the real world, I have always admired and been inspired by him.

8. Would you prefer Mexico to win the World Cup or for you to win an F1 drivers' title?

I would prefer both (laughs), but obviously the priority for myself would be to win a title. I'm here for the challenge and I'm really looking forward to sharing all of that with my country.

9. The world of F1 is all about best parties, girls and rock and roll. True or false?

False. We are sportsmen and we cannot dedicate ourselves to partying or girls. We have to be very professional and we also have our own values.

10. So, do you have a girlfriend then?

Yes. I have a girlfriend and I don't go around looking for other girls.

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