The Force India boss is seen by many as a playboy, but there is far more to him than that. Dieter Rencken caught up with Vijay Mallya to find out what he really thinks of Formula 1

Dare to suggest to Dr (Hon) Vijay Mallya – as this writer did at Hockenheim – that his rather conspicuous diamond earring points to a playboy lifestyle, and his greying goatee visibly bristles, his large hands clench slightly, his eyes harden.

Then, as the 56-year-old industrialist/politician/sports lover/Formula 1 team principal/World Motor Sport Council member realises such paddock perceptions are based on ignorance rather than maliciousness, he relaxes; returns to affable mode as he explains Indian tradition.

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