FAMILY BUSINESS - INTERVIEW WITH BRAND AMBASSADOR MARKUS WINKELHOCK

THE PAPER: Markus, your family has been closely associated with racing for over 50 years. How did you experience this passion during your childhood?

Markus Winkelhock: I don’t remember my father myself, so my connection to motor sport came more through my uncle Joachim, whom I often visited at the track as a young boy.

THE PAPER: Sadly, your father died in an accident. How did this tragedy shape you – both personally and in racing?

Markus Winkelhock: The loss of my father was traumatic, of course. You learn early on that motor sport isn’t without risk. But it was precisely this experience that showed me how important preparation, responsibility and respect for speed are. It made me more cautious, but also more focused. Today, I drive more consciously and always think about safety – for myself and my team.

THE PAPER: Despite everything, you became a racing driver yourself. What still fascinates you about motor sport today?

Markus Winkelhock: For me, the fascination lies in the combination of technology, teamwork and the moment of competition. Every corner, every overtaking manoeuvre requires concentration, courage and intuition. What’s more, speed is a kind of meditation – you live completely
in the here and now.

THE PAPER: Are there any anecdotes from your career or your family that have stayed with you in particular?

Markus Winkelhock: My memories of my first and only Formula One race at the Nürburgring in 2007 are very positive. I don’t have any conscious memories of my father himself. I was simply too young. I only know him from stories and anecdotes. But my mother often tells me that
we are very similar in many ways – even though I never had the opportunity to observe this directly from him.

THE PAPER: You are now a father yourself. How does that influence your view of racing and your role in the team?

Markus Winkelhock: As a father, you think more and more about responsibility. I want my daughter to experience the fascination of the sport, but to understand the risks as well. I try to show her that passion goes hand in hand with respect and discipline. At the same time, my family gives me strength, both on and off the racetrack.

THE PAPER: Motor sport involves risks. How do you deal with this risk mentally?

Markus Winkelhock: You can never eliminate every danger, but you can do everything you can to minimise it. Fitness, state-of-the-art technology and a good team are essential. Mentally, it also helps me to accept the risk without it paralysing me. It’s a balancing act between risk and passion.

THE PAPER: Are there any positive aspects that you particularly appreciate about motor sport?

Markus Winkelhock: Absolutely. Motor sport brings people together, no matter where they come from. The excitement, the team dynamics, the feeling of having achieved something. It’s like nothing else. You also learn
to make decisions under pressure, which is helpful in life beyond the track as well. 

THE PAPER: How do you see your role today – both as a racing driver and as part of a family with a motor sport tradition?

Markus Winkelhock: I see myself as a bridge between the generations. I want to continue my family tradition, but also bring in new perspectives. As a racing driver, I motivate my team; as a father, I want to pass on values. It’s about combining passion, responsibility and joy.

THE PAPER: What are your hopes for your family’s future in racing?

Markus Winkelhock: Unfortunately, there are currently too few male offspring in the family who could continue this tradition – and the girls are not particularly interested in doing so. At four years old, my daughter is of course still too young – and, to be honest, I don’t know if I would even
want her to get into a racing car herself one day. Since she was born, I can understand my mother’s worries and fears about me much better.

THE PAPER: You are also a brand ambassador for MAC Jeans. How does this role fit in with your personality and your life as a racing driver?

Markus Winkelhock: MAC Jeans stands for authenticity, quality and passion – values that are also important to me in motor sport. It’s not just fashion; it’s a way of life. As a racing driver, I know how important it is to strike the right balance between style, functionality and comfort.
That’s exactly what MAC Jeans conveys, and it reflects my personal standards.

THE PAPER: You are part of the new campaign alongside legend Walter Röhrl and young talent Valentin Kluss. What does it mean to you to be part of this new trio?

Markus Winkelhock: It’s an exciting mix of experience, tradition and fresh spirit. Walter Röhrl is a true icon – you can learn a lot from him. Valentin brings the energy of the next generation. For me, it’s great to be part of this trio and to show that motor sport, style and lifestyle can go
together in an inspiring way.