He added: “Brazil always supported me, especially this season in Formula 1, they created a lot of expectations because of my good results in Formula 3, and after we started doing quite well in Formula 2, the expectations also to jump to F1 were high.
“I don’t think this somehow dropped my performance or anything. I think it’s just got better and better, because it’s the type of thing that gives you energy.
“So, it’s going to be very positive to have the Brazilian fans helping us, supporting us, and just wanting me to perform well in Formula 1 and have a good time there.”
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By joining the grid next year, he’ll be in the unusual situation of lining-up alongside veteran double world champion Fernando Alonso – whose driver management agency he is a part of. The duo have become close since linking up – and the Spanish Aston Martin racer has spoken very highly of the 20-year-old.
“He’s an incredible talent and a very humble person as well, which I think that’s the biggest thing that we need to work on,” said Alonso earlier this year in Baku.
“He’s a hard worker, apart from his talent, and I think that’s why in Formula 3 and Formula 2 he has had this much progress. I think also he’s someone that is taking things very seriously as well, which at that age is never a guarantee. Let’s see what the future brings. But, you know, it’s a matter of time that he gets to F1.”
