Valentín Yankelevich: his relationship with Gustavo, his mother's presence, and his racing career
They say those born under the sign of Sagittarius are adventurous, optimistic, and independent. Valentín Yankelevich (22 years old) confidently embraces the traits of his astrological chart without fearing those who disbelieve in the infallibility of the zodiac. Handsome and gentle, "Valen" hides beneath his aura of shyness a passion for adrenaline in the form of extreme sports, for singing, for Boca Juniors, for family, and also for his girlfriend, a loving duo named Valentina.
A self-proclaimed romantic and sensitive personality, he is one of those few who dared to break away from a family tradition (the legacy of his mother, actress Romina Yan, and his grandparents Gustavo Yankelevich and Cris Morena) in pursuit of his own dream. Persevering yet secretive, he made his debut in the TC2000 in March at the championship's first round held in Neuquén, where he achieved sixth place. "Even as a child, I've been driving cars everywhere. That's when I realized this was going to be my passion and love for the rest of my life," explained Valentín. "But since I'm very proactive and always busy with projects, I'm going to make the future as I go."
–What was it like growing up in a family with so much influence in the world of entertainment and the media?
–For me, it was always very normal; it never felt strange. You get used to seeing your mom on TV. I carried it with great respect and honor, and it's something I'm proud of. But I never believed it just because I belonged to a well-known family.
–Did you feel pressure to continue the family legacy?
–My family's legacy makes me very proud. From my great-great-grandfather, through my grandfather, my grandmother, my mother, and my uncle, they've all done very important things for the industry. Obviously, having it available, I tried it. I did some acting, singing, and worked with my grandfather in production, but the truth is, I never felt obligated or pushed to do what my family does. In fact, they've always supported me in everything I wanted to do; I enjoy it, and my whole family is happy.
–How did your interest in cars and racing begin?
–My love for cars started when I was little: I collected cars and had an entire wall in my room covered in them. That's why I learned to drive as a kid too: go-karts, ATVs, motorcycles... anything with wheels! I've always been drawn to speed, but what drives me most is adrenaline and anything that pushes me to challenge myself. I've tried every extreme sport you can think of. I'm a very passionate guy, but motorsports have always had a special place for me. I'm happy in a race car.
–There's a path from a love of cars to becoming a racer. How did you make that leap?
I was studying economics, but I wasn't having a good time. Right around that time, I'd started karting, which I was incredibly passionate about. It was my grandfather who helped me make the decision during a conversation, because he never wanted to discourage me from doing anything else. It was a very emotional conversation, where I tearfully confessed to him that I wasn't happy with what I was studying, but that, on the contrary, racing made me very happy. Then he said, "Well, if racing is what you like, let's do it right." And he helped me start training. He introduced me to Pato Silva, a renowned champion and racing driver, who in turn connected us with Marcelo Ambrogio of the Axion Energy team. When Marcelo felt I was ready, I made my debut in March in Turismo Carretera 2000.
–Do you dream of reaching Formula 1?
–I'm interested in all things motorsports, although obviously one always dreams of reaching the top: Formula 1. But I still have a lot to learn and grow, so for now I'm very relaxed trying to gain experience here in Argentina.
–What do you think of Colapinto?
–Thank God we now have Colapinto in Formula 1! Besides the fact that Franco is a great driver who represents us very well, I think it helps all of us drivers focus on this country.
–Has anyone given you advice?
–I've received a lot of advice in life, but the person who gives me the most advice, without a doubt, is my grandfather Gustavo. I grew up with him, and I could write a book with all his stories and all his advice. He's my greatest mentor. He's given me thousands of pieces of advice, but if I had to choose one, it's something that's like my mantra every time I get in the car and that I try to put into practice every day: "Even if you have all the talent in the world, effort is non-negotiable. He who puts in the effort will achieve what talent alone can't."
–Is it difficult to balance your family life and your career in motorsports, especially given your fame and origins in the entertainment industry?
–With social media, I'm getting a little used to the exposure. People writing to you and sending you messages. Luckily, many of them are nice, but sometimes when you have a somewhat public life, you get some aggressive messages. The important thing is that I know very well who I am. I try not to believe it, and I work every day to be a better person.
–A film about Formula 1 with Brad Pitt was recently released. Do you see yourself playing a racer in a novel or play, for example?
–The truth is, I've had offers to act, but for now, it's not in my plans. Right now, I'm focused on pursuing my racing career. But never say never!
– The other day you said you felt like your mom was with you when you ran. Do you dream about her? Do you ask her for help?
– I'm not one to dream, but I feel her very present in my life. Obviously, sometimes I ask her for help, but many times I just talk to her, tell her things. She feels really good. It's a feeling that's hard to explain, even if people who've lost a loved one understand. I always keep her in mind, in everything, because I know this doesn't end here. I know she's with me. There are situations and signs where she makes herself present. I might be listening to a random playlist, thinking about her, and a song I used to listen to with her or one that reminds me of her comes up. And the thing about the raindrops is something very special. Mom liked to draw raindrops, so if during a downpour I can see an individual drop, I feel like she's present with us at that very moment. Obviously, I would give anything to have my mom here, but well, life happened this way. And on a certain level, it calms me to know that, on another level, she's helping me.
–What do you feel about the affection that your mother inspires in people, which sometimes extends to the entire family?
–It's so good for me to see all those people who love my mother and were able to experience her, whether by knowing her personally or through her characters. It makes me so happy when someone comes up to me and says, "You're Romina's son," because it makes me so proud to be Romina Yan's son. She was a being of light in her life and touched so many people, that when I hear that love from people through her memory, I think she's the one who connects me to them.
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