HELPLESSNESS is not something that Robert Wickens experiences very often. After all, he is used to being in full control of a powerful Formula One race car.

But that was exactly how he felt on a flight late last year when a medical emergency occurred while they were airborne.

Realising there was nothing he could do to help, he had no choice but sit tight and wait as the cabin crew called for doctors to offer their assistance.

No wonder, then, that Wickens, who was in Singapore recently to pilot the Red Bull F1 car for a demonstration drive that was part of the Chingay Parade, much prefers land to air.

And it seems that driving is quite instinctive for the Canadian who turns 19 in less than a month. According to his schoolbus-driver mother and maintenance-technician father, he started learning the numbers of the different F1 cars of that era when he was just two years old.

By the time he was five, he had his first spin in a go-kart and that was the start of his love affair with fast cars. After graduating from Cameron Motorsports with a string of hefty successes, he caught the eye of Red Bull which signed him on as a junior team driver in 2006, making him the first Canadian to be awarded the contract.

And just for the record, the 2006 Formula BMW USA champion has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

Which is your favourite airport?

It would have to be Toronto airport in Canada. It's just been renovated so everything is nice and new. It's efficient too, so you don't have to wait long for your bags. Moreover, it's my hometown airport, I know it like the back of my hand.

Ever had an airline or airport lose your luggage?

Oh, many times. I've travelled with Air France about six times and it has misplaced my luggage five times. But I've always managed to get all the items back eventually so it's been all right.

Ever had something interesting happen on a flight?

At the end of last year, I was flying back to Canada from China when a girl started feeling unwell and needed immediate medical attention. The cabin crew had to make frantic announcements, asking for doctors to come forward and help. They never really said what was actually wrong with her though but I hope she's okay now.

What do you always carry with you on flights?

My iPod. That's a definite must. And my racing helmet too. It never leaves my side because it's really expensive to put designs on a helmet, plus the paint chips really easily so I have to keep an eye on it all the time.

How do you handle jetlag?

To be honest, I handle jetlag very well. I don't know why, but I just do. Even after long flights, all I need is one night and I'm ready to go.

Which airline do you think has the best service?

I've always thought that Air Canada had the best service until this trip when I took Singapore Airlines. I really enjoyed it because it's comfortable and the food's great. Actually, I think that the airlines in the Star Alliance generally have pretty high service standards.

Which airline has the best uniform?

I would have to say that they all look about the same until you get to the Asian airlines. That's when they start to look a little different. But if I had to pick, I would say Austrian Airlines because of the bright red uniform.

Which has been your most memorable race so far?

At the end of 2006, I won the Formula BMW USA Championship. There were so many other drivers out there who were all really good, so it was great to win.

What drink do you always ask for onboard?

I know this is going to sound slightly boring but I always order water. I really like the way it tastes - it's very refreshing. Even at home, it's mostly water for me. No Coke or anything like that.

This story was first published in The Sunday Times on Feb 24, 2008.