The best way to travel with kids, says former F1 driver Alex Yoong, is to not travel with them

SINGAPORE — “I don’t like travelling with people,” admitted former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong.

The host of Fox Sports’ Race Day and Chequered Flag isn’t being difficult, just honest about his travel preference — he likes being footloose and fancy-free. Which might actually be good for those who’re thinking of tagging along because he always comes close to missing his flights. “Actually, I’m surprised I haven’t missed one (already),” he chuckled.

There won’t be any stressful travelling moments any time soon as the Malaysian is very much here for now, covering the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix in two weeks’ time and catching up with old friends from the circuit.

Q: So where’s the best place to watch the F1 race in Singapore?

A: In the studio. On TV. That way you can see what’s going on. On the rare occasion when I’m not covering the event for work, I go to a sports bar. There’s always a good atmosphere when watching the action with fellow fans.

Q: When it comes to the F1 circuits, which is your favourite city?

A: Definitely Montreal. There are other city races such as those in Melbourne and Monaco, but Montreal is great because it feels like a big party when F1 is around. The Canadians really embrace the race. They know the sport very well. Montreal is also a beautiful city and the people are really friendly.

Q: As someone who prefers to travel alone, what’s your advice to those who’re apprehensive about doing so?

A: Travelling alone can be lots of fun as you tend to be more open to meeting new people. But it’s also a bit like turning up and not having a plan, so you’ve got to decide if that’s the sort of thing for you.

Q: What are some of the most memorable trips you’ve had?

A: I remember being in the Czech Republic and driving to the airport to catch my flight back. The car ran out of petrol and I was out of money and didn’t have my credit card. I bribed the pump attendant with F1 merchandise for some petrol. There was also the time when I drove to France from London in a rented car. After some time, I realised the brakes stopped working. I drove all night without stopping and nearly scraped the wall when I reached my hotel in France. My travels tend to be like that for some reason.

Q: Does it mean you’re not very organised?

A: Yeah. I’m a horrible packer, too. I don’t bring enough clothes. I once went to Japan with my son and I had to borrow parkas and gloves because we didn’t bring enough warm clothing.

Q: Any tips on travelling with children?

A: Don’t travel with them until they’re at least three years old and they can speak and understand your language. Before that, they’re a liability. It’s the worst thing trying to control them. It’s now much more fun to travel with my son as we can plan to do fun stuff together. We’re thinking of going mountain biking in Nepal.

Catch the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix on the FOX Sports Network: FOX Sports 3 (StarHub TV Ch 210 & SingTel mio TV Ch 116).