Describe your perfect hour
Driving a classic sports car – something lovely like my 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring – through the Sussex lanes, down towards Goodwood for a bacon roll, then taking a Lotus Cortina around the racetrack. That leaves 25 minutes to get to Chichester Marina and get on a boat – another passion of mine.
If you could live in any era, which would it be?
I know I just said I’ve got a 1973 Porsche, but I prefer classic 1960s Ferraris. By the 70s, everything became a bit too angled and plastic. The 60s were still about chrome bumpers and beautiful bodywork. The style and fashion were fantastic as well.
What’s your favourite time of day?
I love going to bed early, so I’m a sunrise person. I get up at 6am and walk the dog or go for a morning run. Hearing the birds sing and getting your exercise done before most people have even got up makes you feel positive for the rest of the day.
Which period of your life do you daydream about the most?
The mid-to-late 2000s. I was very much into racing, and had made the transition from karts to cars. I was just finishing school – I’ve still got my sailing mates from boarding school – and still fantasise about the long summer holidays.
If you could spend an hour with anyone famous, who would it be?
I’m not going to say the Scottish F1 driver Jim Clark was the greatest racing driver of all time, but he was the greatest from that period. I’d say: “Would you like to drive the McMurtry Spéirling? You’ve never felt downforce like it.”
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When’s the last time you stole something?
During my last ever go-kart race in Europe, in 2006, I broke my rib. I was so uncomfortable, but the hotel in Portugal had the most incredible pillow. Even though it must have been slept on by 1,000 people it was supporting me through my injury, so I took it with me. I’ve still got it.
When’s the last time you cried?
Probably when my two-year-old daughter, Rose, does something overly cute, like running up, kissing my legs and saying something sweet.
When’s the last time you had sex?
Wow, that’s quite a question!
When’s the last time you checked social media?
About three minutes ago. I’m always on it. I’ve got four different Instagram accounts – two for business, one for my house and one for personal. Between them I’ve got a mixture of cars, houses, lifestyle, all sorts of stuff.
What do you never have enough time for?
Golf.
When’s the last time someone mistook you for someone else?
Five or six years ago, at a restaurant called Daphne’s, on Draycott Avenue in Chelsea. I was out with my wife and this group of girls thought I was Jamie Laing from Made in Chelsea. I had to let them down gently.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
“Try not to panic, most things work out in the end, and there’ll be bigger things to worry about in the future.” I’m a born worrier, but the trick is to remember that whatever you’re worrying about now, you’ll have forgotten about in a week.
If you make it to your 100th birthday, what would be the reason?
My wife.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place at Goodwood House, West Sussex, 9-12 July