What’s it like being an American driver in the midst of that?
SS: It’s not easy. It’s difficult for me because I have to leave my family behind all year. My dad and brother get to come out for maybe a race or two. And Europe is a big culture shock. I’ve been here for about four years now and it’s certainly getting easier, but it’s still different. But I think if anything I’ve proven that you can come from having almost nothing in go-karting to Formula One. MF: Has your presence attracted more interest to F1 in America? SS: Certainly. At the U.S. Grand Prix last year I got a huge reception, which, to be honest, I wasn’t really expecting. It’s definitely grown, but it will take a while for it to reach a level anywhere close to what it is in the rest of the world. MF: Now that you’re into your sophomore season, do you feel more or less pressure to perform? SS: There’s probably more pressure on me this year because I really have to make my mark to make sure that I’m here for a long time. MF: Do F1 drivers talk trash? SS: There’s always a big battle o
