In the ‘Reader on pole’ section, an subscriber is extensively interviewed about his passion for Formula 1 in every edition of FORMULE 1 Magazine. This time: Rik Jansma from Harderwijk, subscriber since 2016 and working as Executive Chef at Landgoed De Salentein in Nijkerk. “Formula 1 this year is like a new dish we still have to get used to.”
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Rik Jansma with his wife Tabitha
– How did you ever start following Formula 1?
“Really intensively in 2016. The direct reason was certainly the rise of Max Verstappen. I always watched before that, ever since the time of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello at Ferrari, but back then I didn’t stay home for it. Now I do. I love following Max. His passion and dedication and everything he does for it, great to see.”
– What is your most impressive F1 moment?
“That was Romain Grosjean’s terrifying crash in Bahrain in 2020 (photo above). The inferno and the emotions and uncertainty of all the people in the paddock who didn’t know if Grosjean would come out of his car alive, those images made a huge impression on me.”
– What do you think is the best F1 destination to go to?
“I have visited several races, including in Austria and Abu Dhabi, but if I have to choose, I’ll go for Zandvoort. I was already there the first time in 2021. That was just during the corona period, but it still turned into an unforgettable party. And if the weather is nice, you can also catch some beach at the Dutch GP. This year I’m also going to the latest edition, together with my wife Tabitha.”
– Which circuit or city would you like to see on the F1 calendar?
“A street race in London or Paris sounds cool to me. As far as I’m concerned, a desert race can be removed then.”
– Are you a daredevil behind the wheel yourself?
“My wife thinks so, haha.”
– What is your favorite section in FORMULE 1 Magazine?
“I like to read stories about strategy. The theory or science behind why certain decisions are made, that always intrigues me.”
– If you have to compare F1 in 2026 with a dish…
“Haha, this has been thought about. Well, you know what it is with dishes, they are trend-sensitive. Formula 1 also always follows the latest trend by responding to what the market demands. Now it’s largely about batteries, but maybe in three years they’ll find out that this isn’t the right direction after all and they’ll go back completely to fossil fuels. But a diplomatic answer to your question: Formula 1 with the new rules is a dish we still have to get used to.”
– What would you like to change about F1?
“Refueling! Then you have even more variables on the way, making strategy more important and it’s no longer just about who has the best engine. Because the best engine, you can buy that.”
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– Which driver could use some spice?
Lance Stroll! That guy is only there because his dad has money, I don’t really like that. And I just think he’s a weakling.”
– Who is your favorite driver and who is your least favorite?
“The first is Max, the second is George Russell. I think he’s a crybaby. But Lando Norris has been a bit like that lately too. You know, you should always look at yourself and never blame others.”
– Which driver deserves more appreciation?
“Oscar Piastri. I think he’s the best driver after Max. Also with a killer mentality. He was hugely messed with at McLaren last year. He won’t let that happen again this year.”
– With which driver would you like to have a night out?
“With Fernando Alonso. We are of the same generation. He is someone who takes his work extremely seriously, but outside of that, I don’t think he does at all. I’m like that too. I think you can also talk to him about things other than Formula 1. About delicious dishes, beautiful cities, magic and things like that.”
– Which other sports do you follow intensively?
“Many. Especially football, speed skating and the Olympic Games. During the Games, the TV was on all day. Also at my work, in the kitchen. I can genuinely get emotional when people win a gold medal after years of hard training for that ultimate goal. I have deep respect for someone like Jorrit Bergsma.”
– Finally, who will be world champion?
“Many people say George Russell, but I still trust Max. Those new engine regulations and the new way of racing that is required, that suits him well with his sim background and technical knowledge. Max is the smartest driver on the grid.”
*Do you, as a subscriber, also want to contribute to this section? Then send an email to: redactie@formule1.nl subject: reader on pole.
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