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The Steering Column | Setting sail with Pedro de la Rosa and keeping up family traditions in Mallorca

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A snapshot in time from life in the fast lane. The Aston Martin Aramco driver squad shares what's on their mind right now and what they've been up to. Team Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa lifts the lid on life at sea having spent several days on a luxurious Spotlight Voyage with our partner Regent Seven Seas Cruises, before sharing his plans for Formula One's summer shutdown as he revives a special family tradition in Mallorca.

By Pedro de la Rosa.

"The Formula One summer shutdown is here and I'm in full holiday mode.

"Last month, I joined our partner Regent Seven Seas Cruises for an exclusive Spotlight Voyage on their ship, Seven Seas Splendor, where we brought Grand Prix racing and some of the Mediterranean's most stunning locations to our guests on a specially curated trip.

"And this month, I'm ready to embark on my annual visit to Mallorca for my summer break, maintaining a tradition in my family that spans several decades.

"So, before I press 'Out of Office' for two weeks, I thought I'd share my summer experiences and plans in my edition of 'The Steering Column'."

All aboard 

"I went on the Regent Seven Seas Spotlight cruise at the end of July, as we welcomed fans of Formula One and luxury travel for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It was my first-ever cruise and it was fantastic. We started in Barcelona before visiting Valencia and Ibiza, which is where I disembarked to do Belgian Grand Prix commentary for Spanish TV. The cruise then continued to glamourous locations such as Saint-Tropez, Livorno, and Rome.

I was spoiled... my first cruise was the very best of the best.

"On the Seven Seas Splendor, we had an Aston Martin Aramco showcar on display and a simulator for people to get behind the wheel. Our guests really loved that, and I couldn't resist jumping in to do some virtual laps of Spa-Francorchamps.

"We also held panel discussions about life in Formula One, from the teams and drivers' perspectives on travelling the world to the commercial and marketing side, giving our guests some fascinating insight into the sport and providing the chance for them to ask whatever they wanted.

"We had a huge range of fans on the cruise that had travelled from all over the world to be with us, even as far as Australia and the United States. Some knew lots about Formula One and others were newer to the sport, but by the end of the cruise they were absolutely hooked.

"And, pleasingly, most were Aston Martin Aramco fans – though there were a few of other teams and I hope their allegiances have changed following this unforgettable cruise with the team!

"I had some incredible experiences on the trip. I visited the bridge and spoke to the captain and all the senior officers there, and naturally I was interested in how they drove the ship.

"Seven Seas Splendor is massive, it's 224 metres long, but the crew could move it around port with just one finger on a joystick. I couldn't believe it. It was amazing to watch such a huge ship rotate so precisely in such a relatively small space with just the movement of one finger.

"On land, there were some cool excursions. I did the one in Valencia as we explored the old city and the cathedral which is really beautiful, but you're never far away from Formula One wherever you go and I was fascinated to see remnants of the old street circuit I raced on in the city.

"I walked around where the paddock used to be and there was still some paint on the ground that was used to mark out areas like the pitlane. I never thought I would see that again.

"I would definitely go on another cruise having now experienced my first. However, I must acknowledge I was spoiled in the sense that my first cruise was the very best of the best. The food, facilities, excursions, on-board experiences, and the attentiveness of the crew were all world-class. All the guests I spoke to had been on cruises before but said they had never experienced anything like the Spotlight Voyage, so I count myself very lucky.

"It was a great trip, and I'm about to begin another which is very close to my heart."

Going back to the Balearics

"Since the age of three, I've been going to Mallorca in the summer. It's a real family tradition.

"I have Mallorcan roots. The de la Rosa surname comes from the island and my grandfather was from there as well.

"My parents would take my brothers and I there when we were little, and now we do the same with our own kids.

My three kids all study abroad so it's the perfect opportunity for my wife and I to spend time with them.

"We go to a place called Portocolom, a picturesque fishing village on the east coast of the island. There are not many people, it's very quiet, and it has a beautiful bay where you can do activities like snorkelling, windsurfing, or sailing – though on a slightly smaller boat than the one I was on with Regent! Sometimes, we see tennis legend Rafael Nadal there. His tennis academy is just a few kilometres away from where we stay and he's often sailing.

"It's a great chance in the year to reunite with my family. My three kids all study abroad so it's the perfect opportunity for my wife and I to spend time with them.

"Each of my brothers is married and has kids, too. We all have our own lives, but we've managed to reunite in August at least two weeks every year.

"It's also become a tradition for our friends. When we were testing together at McLaren, Alex Wurz was my team-mate. We developed a big rivalry because, obviously, we both wanted to be the best test driver, but we also formed a big friendship.

"One year, I invited him to Portocolom and he loved it. Since then, he and his family have always spent their holiday here with us.

"Alex is a great cyclist. He was BMX world champion in 1986, and he helped me get my first road bike. I've become a big fan of cycling, and I always go out with him during this trip with my brothers and Alex's kids, Charlie and Oscar, who are racing drivers themselves – naturally they go as fast as they can!

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"It's wonderful to spend time with friends and family. We stay in different places around the village, but we always have lunch or dinner together in the same house. As you can imagine, it can be hectic with so many people but it's beautiful at the same time.

"I would call it a very Spanish summer, spending time together with friends and family, and keeping a tradition that we have inherited from our parents. I'm excited to be doing it again this year.

"It's a trip that's quite a contrast to the rest of the time when I'm travelling around the world to Grands Prix with the team. I love it. It gives me energy for the rest of the season and, by the time I leave, I've recharged my batteries and I'm ready to travel again.

"But first, it's time to grab the sun cream. See you after shutdown!"

Perspectives

Elevating the luxury cruise experience with Regent

As the Aston Martin Aramco Spotlight Voyage set sail last month, Regent Seven Seas Cruises Chief Marketing Officer Caroline Smith shared her take on the changing cruise market, the value of the right brand partnerships, and the traveller's desire for a luxurious and immersive experience.

DISCOVER MORE
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