Scuderia Ferrari junior Mick Schumacher is ticking the boxes and making good progress in his first Formula 1 championship, despite the difficulties encountered by Haas, according to the Italian side’s boss Mattia Binotto. Mick Schumacher become the Formula 2 champion in the previous season, which determined the Marabello team to help their Driver Academy racer find a place in Formula 1: the solution came from engine customer Haas, but it was always going to be a rough time for Mick in terms of results, given the fact that Haas decided not to focus on it’s current Formula 1 car, preferring to use its resources on 2022 when the all-new Formula 1 rules come into force.
The situation has been challenging for the 22-year-old German driver, in his attempt to to show his capability. There have been difficult moments, such as on-track clashes with team mate Nikita Mazepin, and crashes in Hungary practice, qualifying in Monaco and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
But at the same time there have also been highlights including his first Q2 appearance in France and a battling performance at the Hungaroring circuit, where Mick went wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen and George Russell – on his way to a career-best 12th, taking advantage of the chaotic start. And after the first half of the season, Mattia Binotto admitted the Italian side is happy with the Ferrari junior’s performance – before calling on him to keep pushing in the final 12 races of the year.
“Mick in his very first year in F1 driving for Haas, I think we said at the start of the season that the objective for him was first no pressure, but to make sure that he is learning. So 2021 has to be for him an important year in terms of learning. And I think if we look at that objective he is doing well. I think Mick since the start of the season is doing well, he is learning, he is progressing. Obviously a few mistakes, but that’s part of the learning process. Overall in terms of balance so far, we can be happy. What’s important for him is to continue developing and progressing in the second half. But I’m confident he can do that.” – the Ferrari boss explained.
Scuderia Ferrari displayed impressive strength and depth in their junior ranks last year, with Callum Ilott second behind Mick Schumacher in Formula 2, with Robert Shwartzman fourth. This year is less impressive, Shwarztman is their leading contender in third, 17 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, with Marcus Armstrong down in 14th.
“If I look at the junior drivers for the Ferrari Driver Academy, I think there’s no doubt that in terms of results it is not as good as last year” – the Ferrari boss admitted – “Last year, especially in Formula 2, we had great results, which is not the case [this year]. So overall we cannot be as happy as we were.” – Mattia Binotto concluded.
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