Georgis Markogiannis is a Formula 4 racing driver from Greece. Markogiannis will race with Cram Motorsport in Italian F4 this year. He already debuted with the team back in 2020 at Red Bull Ring & Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
youngdriversmonthly:
Where and how do you have spent your time during winterbreak?
Georgis Markogiannis:
During winterbeak, considering also the lockdown status that my country is in, I had to work really hard in order to prepare myself fully for the upcoming season. My preparation schedule included numerous hours on my simulator training on the tracks of our calendar, physical training at least twice a week to keep my body fit and ready for this year’s challenges and finally studying last year’s onboard videos to identify and learn from my mistakes. Moreover, I have been attending online school classes and studying for the final exams.
-
YDM:
Has it ever been your dream to become a professional race driver? Did you had any other dreams as a kid?
GM:
Of course it has been and still is my dream and ultimate goal to become a professional racing driver, especially to compete in Formula 1. I believe it’s a common aspiration for every racing driver, professional or not, to reach such a high level. As a kid, I was interested in going to law school and becoming a lawyer, and that’s the main reason why I try to keep my grades high, despite my athletic obligations.
-
YDM:
When did you start racing karts?
GM:
I bought my first go kart at the age of 4, after having driven a rental one for only the second time. At the age of 7 I participated in my first ever karting championship in Greece and ended up winning the title.
-
YDM:
In the world of sports, you experience many highs and lows. What was your sporting highlight that you were able to experience?
GM:
The highlight of my career is obviously the switch from a go kart to a single seater. It was a big change that happened quite quickly, so it took me several days of testing to get up to speed, but once I did, I realized that it’s the best feeling I’ve ever experienced.
-
YDM:
And what was the most bitter moment you have experienced in sports?
GM:
I wouldn’t say I have a specific bitter point, but to me every DNF in any race is disappointing.
-
YDM:
International Greek racers are rather a rarity. Do you have any idea why that might be?
GM:
Having competed in Greece for several years, I believe that my country has plenty of talent to offer when it comes to young or older drivers. In my opinion, the main issue that prevents them from developing their skillset is the lack of track facilities, either for go karting or for racecars.
-
YDM:
What’s your favorite pre-race music?
GM:
Before races I tend to listen to old school rap music. It really calms me and at the same time boosts my confidence.
-
YDM:
Which sort of fitness gadgets, like trackers or watches, do you use?
GM:
When I work out, most of the times I wear my Apple Watch that has a tracker installed to keep track of my physical condition and endurance.
-
YDM:
You’ve debuted in Italian F4 last season. You’ll be racing fulltime in the series with Cram Motorsport again this year. What is the target?
GM:
My debut last year in Red Bull Ring and then in Monza was about estimating my position on the grid as well as gaining experience in a race situation. As for this year, after having worked a lot with Cram on my driving errors, I aim for higher positions and for a steady progress throughout the season. My main goal for this year would be to compete at the front of the grid as soon as possible.
-
YDM:
What do you eat in a day as an athlete?
GM:
Every day, I follow a diet that contains 3 large meals and two smaller ones. I believe that racing drivers need a variety of ingredients to keep their bodies in shape, so I try to widen my specter when it comes to nutrition.
-
YDM:
Which racing drivers have inspired you? Who are your favorites?
GM:
My favorite driver on the grid is Lewis Hamilton, who has inspired me throughout his whole career.Other than him, I obviously admire Senna and Schumacher as the greatest of the sport. Moreover, Fernando Alonso was my first idol.
-
YDM:
Apart from F1, which racing cars would you like to drive as well?
GM:
Apart from f1, I would like to drive a GT or an LMP car, because they seem pretty quick too in comparison to other racecars.
-
YDM:
Where can fans follow your journey in motorsport?
GM:
Fans can follow me on instagram, twitter or facebook, though I also have a website under construction, which will provide all the information and latest news of my career.