Elena Rybakina has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2026 season, capturing her second Grand Slam title and rising to world number two.
Rybakina captured her second major title in January, after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final.
The Kazakhstani star rose to the world number two spot after triumphing in Melbourne, and has held the position ever since.
Rybakina is now in Germany, taking part in the Stuttgart Open.
Ahead of her first match at the event, Rybakina was asked a pertinent question regarding another sport – Formula One.
Elena Rybakina’s ideal Formula One locations
In an interview with WTA media in Stuttgart, Rybakina was asked to identify where on the planet she would hold a Formula One race.
“That’s a tough question,” the 27-year-old said.
“I was in Monaco once but long time ago, so I would keep it there. But guys, I don’t know. It’s not an easy one.
“I think in Australia – I don’t know which city – because I like Australia. But yeah, somewhere!”
This year, Australia hosted the first race of the Formula One calendar.
The race, held on March 8 at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, was won by British Mercedes driver George Russell.
Kimi Antonelli, another Mercedes driver, came second. Charles Leclerc, from Monaco, finished third.
Monaco is also set to host a Grand Prix this year; the event will take place from June 5 to 7.
Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula One world champion, won the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.
Rybakina was also asked to name her ideal team principal.
“You mean who is the leader?” she said. “I will get the job [laughing].”
When asked who would be part of her pit crew, Rybakina said: “Someone who knows the cars well, so probably Jannik [Sinner] or Hubi [Hubert Hurkacz].”
When is the next Formula One race?
Formula One fans will have to wait a while before witnessing the next race of the 2026 season.
The next race is set to be held from May 1 to 3 in Miami, Florida.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, fending off challenges from Lando Norris and George Russell.
“To come away with the win is an impressive result,” Piastri said after winning the race, as per the Miami Grand Prix website.
“There was a bit of argy-bargy at Turn 1 which helped me out a little bit and I was aware enough when Max was coming back through in our duel.
“From that point onwards I knew I had the pace in the car and it was unbelievable today. Very happy to be leaving Miami on top.”
