Skiing
Is F1 going to be Lindsey Vonn’s next career move?
The queen of skiing doesn’t just look good on the slopes, but on the Formula One racetrack too.
Who knew: Lindsey Vonn, the indisputable speed queen of skiing, has petrol in her blood! And she just proved that on one of the most famous racing tracks of the world, the Red Bull Ring.
Before Formula One (July 1-3) and MotoGP (August 12-14) come to Spielberg, Lindsey got the chance to test the asphalt – in a Formula Renault 2.0 (140mph top speed) and a Formula Renault 3.5 (180mph top speed).
We asked Lindsey how it felt. “It was unbelievable to drive a race car. I haven't felt the speed since February, but that's exactly what is so much fun. The Red Bull Ring is one of the most beautiful playgrounds in Austria,” said Vonn who also sees some parallels between Formula One and skiing. “In both sports you need the right timing. When to speed up, when to hit the brakes and how to find the best line.”
Lindsey in a Formula Renault 3.5
© Samo Vidic/Red Bull Content Pool
And skiing? After Lindsey suffered fractures in her tibial plateau in a crash in Andorra in February we want to know how she feels. The good news is she's fine! “I've already increased my training, I'm fit, pain free and ready.”
Vonn wants to compete till 2019 and then ‘retire’. But what goals does someone have who has already won all prizes and has broken all records? “In 2019 I want to race with the men in Lake Louise. Men will always be stronger than women, but if a woman is fit enough, she should at least get the opportunity to race men.”
Talking to Patrick Friesacher and Dr. Helmut Marko
© Samo Vidic/Red Bull Content Pool
And what will she do afterwards? Maybe Lindsey wants to follow in the footsteps of Luc Alphand (World Cup champion 1996/97), who after ending his skiing career, went on to motor racing and won the Dakar Rally in 2006? “I won't stop the action after 2019. So you never know,” Lindsey hints.
Are you hungry for more motorsports? You can find information on the driving experiences at the Red Bull Ring here.
