This week, Formula 1 is in Montreal! For the occasion, we had the chance to meet Mikaël Grenier, a real racing driver. Mikaël is one of the rare Quebecers participating in the World Endurance Championship. In this category, the cars drive slower than in Formula 1, but the events sometimes last 24 hours! For 3 years, he has been part of the prestigious Mercedes-AMG team. 3, 2, 1, it’s a start!
How does an endurance car race work?
Endurance racing includes all car races that last more than 3 hours. Sometimes they can even last 24 hours. Generally, during these races, there are 3 drivers per car. We take over: 3 hours of driving, then 3 hours of rest. During this time of rest, you have to manage to eat, sleep and see the osteopath (note from Tom: that’s someone who treats pain), a real marathon!
What is the best memory of your career?
My victory at the Canadian Karting Championship when I was 17! I was able to qualify for the World Championship in Dubai where I won a race. That’s when I thought maybe I could become a professional pilot one day.
What is the fastest speed you have achieved?
It was 320 km/h, when I was driving in the IndyCar categories in the United States. Today, the car I drive doesn’t exceed 290 km/h, but it’s already very fast!
Phew! Are your loved ones worried about you?
There’s still the normal stress of a mom watching me race! But it takes place in a protected environment, it’s not like on the road.
That pollutes a racing car a lot, doesn’t it?
Much less than before, anyway. We are starting to use renewable gasoline. I think that by 2026, we will switch to 100% renewable gasoline. And the new tires are made of recyclable material. We have no choice, car racing must also follow suit!
By Tom Imler, intern journalist
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