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There's no question of recovering - you don't really think about accidents that much after they happen. Both Christian and I were fine after our respective incidents which is a testament to how much safer the cars and circuits are now than they were ten years ago. We've had several races since then and finished the season on a positive note so we're now looking ahead to next year and focusing our energy on preparation for 2006.
Name one race this season that you really enjoyed.
There have been several; obviously the first race of the year was an amazing result for us straight 'out the box' and gave the whole team a lift going into the season after what had been a winter of uncertainty. Monaco should have been a podium for us (I was unlucky to be taken out), so that was another strong performance and I love the track. Japan was probably my best qualifying performance for several years on a wet track and out first; looking back... that was a great lap and I scored points again there.
The season should really be viewed as a whole rather than looking at individual races. From where we started, the whole Red Bull Racing team has done an incredible job this year and I've really enjoyed being part of that.
There have been several; obviously the first race of the year was an amazing result for us straight 'out the box' and gave the whole team a lift going into the season after what had been a winter of uncertainty. Monaco should have been a podium for us (I was unlucky to be taken out), so that was another strong performance and I love the track. Japan was probably my best qualifying performance for several years on a wet track and out first; looking back... that was a great lap and I scored points again there.
The season should really be viewed as a whole rather than looking at individual races. From where we started, the whole Red Bull Racing team has done an incredible job this year and I've really enjoyed being part of that.
How is it like moving on to Red Bull after nine seasons with McLaren?
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I've been asked that a lot this year, especially at the beginning of the season. The job is fundamentally the same but the team and the philosophy are different. I don't spend much time looking back. I'm a Red Bull driver now and enjoying it immensely.
What do you think of Red Bull's first season in the F1?
Our performance speaks for itself really, I think we surprised a lot of people and we hope to continue to do so next year.
Our performance speaks for itself really, I think we surprised a lot of people and we hope to continue to do so next year.
How much better can Red Bull get with the Ferrari engine?
We will start the 2006 season with a completely new package, a completely 'Red Bull' engineered car and the Ferrari engine. We know that the Ferrari is strong and reliable and combined with the new car we can realistically expect to aim for the podium.
We will start the 2006 season with a completely new package, a completely 'Red Bull' engineered car and the Ferrari engine. We know that the Ferrari is strong and reliable and combined with the new car we can realistically expect to aim for the podium.
Give us your take on 2005's season of the F1, which has seen a turn in the podium standings.
It's been a good season for the sport with different people on the podium. Many people were critical when Michael and Ferrari dominated for a few years so fans of the sport will have enjoyed seeing the battle between McLaren and Renault. It's a shame that we didn't see Kimi and Fernando racing head to head more this year, but that's just the way the season panned out.
It's been a good season for the sport with different people on the podium. Many people were critical when Michael and Ferrari dominated for a few years so fans of the sport will have enjoyed seeing the battle between McLaren and Renault. It's a shame that we didn't see Kimi and Fernando racing head to head more this year, but that's just the way the season panned out.
What type of cars do you drive on your off days?
A Smart car in Monaco, a Mercedes M Class in Switzerland and Mercedes CLK 55 in London.
A Smart car in Monaco, a Mercedes M Class in Switzerland and Mercedes CLK 55 in London.
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What are your aspirations for next year with Red Bull Racing?
To continue to build on the solid foundation that we have laid this season. There's no point in making predictions so I'll just continue to work hard with the team over the winter and we'll see how we get on when everyone arrives in Bahrain for the first race. I'm confident we're moving in the right direction with the team, the new car and our whole approach.
To continue to build on the solid foundation that we have laid this season. There's no point in making predictions so I'll just continue to work hard with the team over the winter and we'll see how we get on when everyone arrives in Bahrain for the first race. I'm confident we're moving in the right direction with the team, the new car and our whole approach.
About a decade in Formula One racing...any memories you like to share?
There have been so many that I'll put them in a book one day. I couldn't possibly list all the highs and lows here.
Suffice to say that I feel very fortunate to be part of F1 and I'm not looking back now - only forward to future successes.
There have been so many that I'll put them in a book one day. I couldn't possibly list all the highs and lows here.
Suffice to say that I feel very fortunate to be part of F1 and I'm not looking back now - only forward to future successes.
Do you have a F1 role model, if so, who would it be?
There have been several drivers I have admired for various qualities. Those that really stand out are Senna's commitment, Prost's consistency and Jim Clark's overall ability and attitude.
There have been several drivers I have admired for various qualities. Those that really stand out are Senna's commitment, Prost's consistency and Jim Clark's overall ability and attitude.