“I feel it close”: Nico Baptiste at the Formula 1 race in Colombia

1. EH: What does it mean for a Colombian driver to be on the most important circuits in Europe at such a young age, especially in F3?

Nico Baptiste: First of all, I am very proud to carry the Colombian flag in international competitions where I participate as a professional pilot. under his 37 pilots that we participate in the European Regional Formula 3 is without doubt the result of hard and disciplined work that started with my love for cars, and 8 years ago the competitions started in karting in Colombia became my life project. In short, and without losing sight of how much I have to work and learn to get into Formula 1, I would say that it is an achievement to drive in this category at the age of 16, to be one of the youngest drivers and, therefore, with less experience in driving cars.

2. EH: How can you analyze the short and long term future of Colombian and Latin American motorsport and what is your view on responsibility when it comes to representing the country on these circuits?

Nico Baptiste: At present, the national motorsport has several experienced and talented drivers, who are trained here in Europe, the United States and Mexico, who carry the flag of the country on various circuits around the world. The same thing happens in the Latin American sphere, for example in the European Regional Formula 3 Seven Latin American pilots took part, from Paraguay, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Colombia.

Precisely I have great hope that the Caribbean F1 GP in Barranquilla, because this would be the best driver motorsport could have in the country.

In the long term, I think that the riders who are currently in the training phase will be able to represent our country in the major categories of the world motorsport†

I feel a huge responsibility to represent Colombia on the different circuits I compete in, I always try to do my best and uphold the name of the country. I want to be an example for young people from Colombia who want to make their sporting dreams come true. For me it is very important to be a source of good news and fun moments for my country, I hope more Colombians know me and the general public in Colombia continues to grow.

Hopefully I can get the necessary sponsorship to reach teams with a chance of fight for the podiums in the different championships and put the flag and the national anthem of Colombia above it.

The sporting achievements of emblematic Colombian pilots such as Robert Jose Guerrero and Juan Pablo Montoya make Colombia the sixth largest motorsport audience in the world today and that is a point that sets the bar very high for developing drivers.

3. EH: What does being an ambassador of the Real Madrid Foundation mean for your career and how do you hope to contribute with your talent?

Nico Baptiste: I am very proud to have been chosen as an ambassador by the Foundation of the best team in the world. Yesterday it was very exciting to have my idol in front of me Iker Casillas and share with him core values ​​for both footballers and motorsport, such as discipline, respect, dedication, commitment and sacrifice. It was all very exciting.

With this collaboration alliance, I have taken on the task of replicating these values ​​in the children who are part of Real Madrid schools in our country and in the world. It should be noted that in Colombia alone, the Real Madrid Foundation serves more than 4,000 boys, girls and youth through 16 socio-sports projects, using a unique methodology to teach values ​​through sport, american football Yes basketball†

The image of the Foundation will be in my Formula for three seasons and it will be a unique opportunity to promote values ​​and brands together. I am pleased with this and hope to meet the challenge entrusted to me.