Sport Bild: Mick Schumacher, what rating would you give your first season in Formula 1?
Mick Schumacher (22): If you don’t look at the results, just look at the development from weekend to weekend and I think it went well.
The second class is good.
Yes, I would sign that. I am happy with the work we did in the first year. But it is also clear: if you look at the results, next season should be even better.
Was your step into Formula 1 easier for you because you were on the pit lane as a kid when your dad Michael was driving?
Yes, I must say I was well prepared. Of course, this also has something to do with my childhood. I was already at my dad’s meetings at the time and knew how the driver works for the weekend race. But of course I learned a lot of new things anyway.
for example?
I got a better understanding of tires. It is a process that every young driver goes through. With every training session and every race, you get a better idea of how far you can push to the limit while keeping the tires for as long as possible.
What was completely different from what you expected?
I would have thought Formula 1 would be more stressful. Until Thursday, when we have a lot of interview dates and press conferences, that’s okay. The difference in excursions compared to the entry-level classes (mostly from Europe; Dr. Ed.) is manageable. It doesn’t make much difference to me whether it’s a short trip or a long trip halfway around the world. I can sleep well on the plane anyway.
What is the most important lesson you learned?
Not a single collision or failure shocked me. I have developed myself through various situations over the past year. Leadership and personality. I’m not like the meek I was before the season. But I’m not as Mick as I was yesterday. I am improving every hour. I dispose of situations on the right track.
Schumacher (right) and Vettel get along admirably despite the twelve-year age difference, and they can often be seen together in the ring.
Foto: Formula 1 via Getty Images
Give us an example!
The race in Hungary was a highlight. Dueling Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for points and not just running between them, it was a great feeling. Especially the fencing with Max, where we hurriedly went through the bend. This is where you learn how high the level is in Formula 1. I want to have duels like this a lot in the future! Unfortunately we didn’t have the car this year.
How important is Sebastian Vettel to you in the learning process?
With Esteban Ocon, he is my closest driver friend. Sebastian helps me a lot. SB is the mentor to me that my dad had for him. Spending time with him is lovely. If we haven’t been in the garage for a long time, we go out to eat together in the evening. During his 15 years in Formula 1, he has created a very good network of restaurants. I also learn a lot from him there (laughs).
You’ve dominated your teammate Mazepin all season long and won 20 of 22 qualifying duels. Only in the stable duel between Gasly and the Japanese Tsunoda at Alpha Tauri (21:1) was the balance more evident. Many experts say that with a stronger teammate, you could have done a lot more. do you agree?
Before the season started, the team made the decision to start the season with two young drivers and I’m behind that.
You made mistakes too, most recently in Saudi Arabia when you were eliminated…
…and that’s a good thing with a driver driving his first season! Mistakes make me understand the car better. That’s why I’m glad for every mistake I made, even if it seemed strange. That was a learning season for me. I won’t do anything wrong from this season again next season. At least I hope so, because then we don’t just want to follow, we want to attack.
Apprentice and master craftsman: Vettel (left) copied a lot from his idol Michael Schumacher in his early years
Photo: Jens Büttner / dpa
What are the new regulations for Haas?
I wish a lot. We want a competitive car so we can regularly participate in the battle for points. So we have to be more consistent. Our goal is to get to the first third of the second quarter or even within the top ten in the playoffs.
Your contract expires in 2022. Is next season all about qualifying for a top team?
In principle, each driver is always about developing himself further and recommending himself to a great team.
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Jean Todt, who won five titles at Ferrari with your father, is about to return to the Scuderia. Would that be an advantage for you as a Ferrari sponsored driver?
You should ask Jean Todd, if that happens. But it certainly isn’t a shame to have a direct line with someone with such knowledge and experience. Jan has been helping me a lot for years.
When do we write the line: “Mega Mic scores first points in Formula 1!”?
Hopefully the first race for next season!
