SINGAPORE – Not everyone wants to give up his or her life for work. As a 26-year-old, I have lost count of how many times the term “work-life balance” has escaped my mouth while chatting with peers in their 20s.

But for 29-year-old Formula One (F1) driver Pierre Gasly, compromising on his career that he has spent every waking hour of his life working towards is simply unthinkable. He is one of two drivers for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.

Closing in on his 10th year in F1, he would likely not be judged harshly if he retired without winning a championship. But during a media roundtable held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Oct 2, ahead of the race weekend, he adamantly declares he wants to be world champion, even if it means having to make personal sacrifices.

With more than 20 races a season, running from March to December, endless training on the driving simulator and media engagements, he has not spent more than 50 days back home in Milan, Italy, in a year. Those precious few days are spent with his family, friends, girlfriend – and on even more training.

“It’s a balance you need to find – some people understand it and support you along the way, and some people won’t understand why you don’t have time to give them, and then you lose people along the way,” says Gasly, who is 16th in the drivers’ standings.

“But I’m not someone willing to compromise on my professional life. I told all my friends (that) the day I finish F1, every single day I can be at your door at 8am knocking and saying, ‘Let’s grab a drink’.”

“But don’t ask me to do that when I’m in the middle of my career,” he adds, with steely determination.

The racing team, which is based in Enstone, England, arrives at the Singapore Grand Prix at the back of the standing, behind nine other race teams which are just as driven to perform.

As a relatively new fan of the sport, I am in part drawn in by the heavy advertising in mainstream consciousness. Content su...