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Sebastien Buemi is a Swiss driver who is currently a reserve driver for the Red Bull F1 team. He earlier raced for Scuderia Torro Rosso from 2009 to 2011. In between the F1 weekends, he also races for the Toyota team in the 24hrs Le Mans race. Buemi spoke with Sportskeeda correspondent Taruka Srivastav in an exclusive chat.
You are a reserve driver for the Red Bull team, so you don’t get chance to race much. Is that annoying?
Not at all. It’s a great privilege to be associated with such a great team. I help out the team in every way I can.
You have already worked with Red Bull racing team back in 2008 when you were a reserve and test driver. So how’s your relationship with your teammates like?
Yeah, I was with Red bull in 2008. I have known Sebastian since our karting days and we are pretty good friends. In my first Formula BMW race, I was the runner up while Seb was the winner. Mark also is a good friend. We are a great team to be honest.
After 2008 you moved to Toro Rosso as their racing driver. How was the stint? Any plans to go back racing for them?
I got the opportunity to sit in a Formula 1 car for the first time and race for them. I raced for them for 3 years. The experience I gained has helped me with Red Bull. No plans at all.
You were involved in what they call one of the most dangerous accidents on track in Formula 1 during the Chinese Grand Prix back in 2010. Do you consider yourself lucky to have escaped unhurt?
When the accident happened I was more disappointed about not having completed the race since both the wheels came off. However when I saw the video of the crash, I thanked God because it could have been a pretty serious one. On TV anyway, crashes look spectacular as everything is magnified. In F1, accidents are bound to happen so it was really ok with me as it wasn’t my fault then.
You also race for Toyota Team in the Le Mans 24hrs. Tell us something about it.
It’s a great team and I have always wanted to race in the Le Mans. It’s is a very important tournament when it comes to motorsports as they help you test yourself, which you can’t on the circuit. Lots of money goes into it. Also it helps me prepare well for F1. The experience which I have gained by racing in it is really worth it.
So what do you think about racing Sports Cars?
Racing sports cars is different from racing the Formula One cars. In Le Mans, you have to race for 24hrs so you see its tough. It’s all about good team work. What you can achieve in races like Le Mans is the greatest thing you can achieve in Motorsports.
Do you think either of Sebastian or Mark can finish as World Champion?
Definitely. I think both are doing great. We are positive of doing good in all upcoming races.
