Two worlds came together at last weekend\u2019s Spanish Grand Prix when legendary football coach \u2013 and long-time F1 fan \u2013 Jos\u00e9 Mourinho paid a visit to the Madring circuit to follow the action.<\/p>\n
Ahead of Sunday\u2019s race, which took place just a stone\u2019s throw away from Real Madrid\u2019s training ground, F1.com grabbed a few words with the Portuguese tactician to discuss the Spanish capital\u2019s all-new Grand Prix, his passion for racing, and how F1 compares (and differs) to football\u2026<\/p>\n
It\u2019s Saturday night in Madrid and the streets are buzzing with Real fans who, after watching their team beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the Champions League mid-week, expect more of the same from a La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano.<\/p>\n
Once inside the 83,000-capacity Bernab\u00e9u stadium, Mourinho and his group of star players waste no time in putting on a show \u2013 Los Blancos racing into a 3-0 lead by half-time with goals from the likes of Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 and Jude Bellingham. By the end of the game, a commanding 4-1 scoreline brings them level on points with rivals FC Barcelona at the top of the table.<\/p>\n
Some 12 hours later, after a well-earned rest, Mourinho, Bellingham and other team members have swapped that hallowed turf for new ground in the form of the Madring \u2013 F1\u2019s hybrid street\/permanent circuit built around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre, and less than four kilometres from Madrid\u2019s training pitches.<\/p>\n
Mourinho is no stranger to the F1 paddock, having made several visits in previous seasons, including last year\u2019s British Grand Prix, but there is something particularly meaningful for him this time around.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve enjoyed it [F1] for a while, and I\u2019ve been to a few races, but of course this is the first one [at the Madring],\u201d Mourinho tells F1.com.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I work just around the corner, every day that I was coming to work or leaving work, I was following it, the building [process], and the more we were approaching this day, [there was] more emotion for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
Given that Mourinho has gone from the football field to the F1 grid on multiple occasions, it begs an obvious question: what do the two sports have in common, and how are they different?<\/p>\n
For the 63-year-old, who has also managed Manchester United, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Roma, among other clubs, there is a standout common theme \u2013 as well as an area in which he feels football can learn from F1.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, it\u2019s huge pressure for both,\u201d he says thoughtfully. \u201cWhen you have sports at the highest level, we are always speaking about huge pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I feel that they [F1] are one step ahead of us in terms of the way they approach the big moments. [In football] we close each other [off], I believe, too much, also because of tradition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese guys [the drivers], [there\u2019s] huge pressure, but before that [time in the car], they are together, they meet people, they do a little bit of PR, they do a little bit of media.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we have to learn with them, the way they can be relaxed, and half an hour later they can be in the car fighting for their lives, because they take risks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since his first managerial stint with Portuguese club Benfica back in 2000, Mourinho has racked up more than 25 major trophies \u2013 the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup\/Europa League, the Premier League, the FA Cup, other national titles and plenty more, along with a host of individual accolades.<\/p>\n
However, what about the hypothetical challenge of leaving football behind and becoming an F1 team boss?<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no idea!\u201d Mourinho responds, with his eyes widening at the prospect. \u201cI just have to learn. I learn with [F1 President and CEO] Stefano Domenicali; I ask him lots of questions. I tried to learn with all of them [the people I meet], and I like very much to come [to watch F1].<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was not possible [on Saturday], because I had a match day, but I like to come for the Qualifyings, I like to come for the training sessions [Free Practices], because then clearly you can be closer, and you can interact more.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is their day, and it\u2019s the day I like to respect their privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, Mourinho has met and struck up friendships with many F1 drivers and personalities since experiencing the sport for the first time \u2013 his tour of the Madring on Sunday still featuring various catch-ups and motorhome visits.<\/p>\n