This personal reflection is part of a series called The Big Ideas, in which writers respond to a single question: What drives us? You can read more by visiting The Big Ideas series page.

I am not a speed addict, but I relish high speeds. While I’m now retired, I spent 16 seasons as a Formula 1 driver. Racing at over 200 miles per hour became second nature to me.

It sounds crazy, but being behind the wheel of a car that could kill me became my safe place. All the noise in my life grew quiet the moment I jumped into my racecar. This dangerous environment was where I felt most alive and calm. Despite being under ultrahigh stress, it was the place where everything slowed down. It was as if I could disappear and forget about time.

My love of driving began after I received a small go-kart as a childhood Christmas present. I grew up in Heppenheim, Germany. Since the backyard of our house was too tight to make turns around, my father poured out a large bucket of water and taught me how to drift as a technique to avoid crashing into a wall. I became infatuated with the rush and control of driving. I found something that gave me confidence and self-efficacy. Eventually, I started racing others, and I craved the sensation of speed.