Cinema specialist and racing passion: Getting to know the real Brad Benavides

PHM Racing by Charouz rookie Brad Benavides is the latest to give us the lowdown on his life away from the racetrack.

The American talks about his karting memories, favourite kinds of pizza and how he was always going to end up involved in motorsport somehow.

WHERE DO YOU CONSIDER HOME?

“To be honest, that’s a tricky one because home has basically been three different countries really. It’s been the U.S., Guatemala and Spain. So it’s tricky to decide which one over the others so ultimately, I’d say the U.S., that’s where I was born and where I live the most, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It’s been tough to go home with the European racing schedule, so I’ve been living in Guatemala and Spain for my racing but haven’t been able to get back often. Maybe now I’m in F2 I can find the time to visit.”

WHICH ATHLETE DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST?

“I’d have to say, I really like Mike Tyson and Lionel Messi. Tyson, I find him to be an aggressive guy but humble at heart. I like that mindset of overconfidence but at the same time, not thinking that he’s better than anyone in essence. Really the same thing for Messi, they’re the top two.”

WHO ARE YOUR FRIENDS ON THE GRID?

“F3 I’d say Mari Boya, he was my teammate in Formula Regional Middle East and we’re in the same management group together, so I’d say him. Maybe the Spanish drivers in general too, Pepe Martí, I’ve known him since karting a couple years back. Jack Doohan also, we used to play video games back in the day, but we’ve lost a bit of contact since then, but I get on with those guys.”

FAVOURITE CHEAT MEAL?

“I don’t eat cheat meals that much! I’d go with pizza though. The ones they have in the Middle East, they’re kind of like a pitta bread that have some cheese on. Then you have your classic pepperoni ones. They’re all good.”

READ MORE: PREMA Racing begin to flex some muscle: F2 Weekend Wrap-Up

IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO RELIVE ONE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

“To be honest that’s a tough one, I’ve never really thought about that. I don’t really know what to say for that one because there’s so many moments. It’s impossible to think that way because time is linear and you can’t keep thinking backwards.”

IF YOU WEREN’T A RACING DRIVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR WORK?

“Probably something in racing because ever since I was young, I’ve stuck to racing and cars. Something like an engineer probably.”

FAVOURITE MOVIE AND TV SERIES

“I have three, not in any order, they’re all the same to be honest in ranking. Interstellar, Arrival and The Shawshank Redemption. I’m more of a movie guy but I like Breaking Bad. That’s like the only TV series I’ve watched all the way through. That’s obviously a really good one and to be honest I really enjoyed Stranger Things too. And obviously Drive to Survive.”

WHAT WAS THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?

“Probably some reggaetón in the car with my manager.”

WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST OR MOST EMBARASSING THING YOU’VE DONE?

“I’d love to tell you an old story I’ve thought of off the top of my head, but I’d rather not talk about that one!”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE RACING MEMORY?

“I’d have to say La Conca, 2018 with my dad. It was a shifter class race, WSK Super Master Series. I went with my dad to that race, we were coming from pretty good results in the races before that event and when I went to that event, in the beginning, it was going terrible. It’s a really nice place, you feel like you’re near Bari, that part of Italy. You think you’re at some resort, not some kind of track. At the beginning it was super super tough, then we changed kart and then I went a second and a half quicker after changing the chassis. I was zero to hero, going through that with my dad was a huge confidence boost.”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

“To be honest, I’d have to say a watch my sister Michelle gave me not long ago.”

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

“My dad always says mind over matter, so I’d say that.”

WHAT’S THE FAVOURITE PLACE YOU’VE EVER BEEN AND ONE YOU’D LIKE TO VISIT?

“I want to visit Asia, China or Japan. I’ve never been on that side of the world before so I’m keen to visit. My favourite place I’ve been, I’d say is Italy. I really like it there.”