In a recent interview for German automobile magazine ‘Auto Motor und Sport’, Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher reflects on his preparations and goals for 2021 F1 season:
What has to happen so that you will draw a positive conclusion at the end of the season?
Mick Schumacher: “We have to be aware of the potential of the car. We have to be honest with ourselves and do our job. Of course the best thing would be to score points. And if there are some crazy races like last year, maybe a podium will come out of it. Sure, that’s dreaming, but we are allowed to dream! Nevertheless, we have to be realistic first and foremost.”
Why is Haas the right first step for you?
Mick Schumacher: “They are not the biggest team. But they have a very direct link to their drivers. It’s also good to know & discuss what the team’s goals are. They work very well with their drivers”
Why not Alfa Romeo?
Mick Schumacher: “The decision was made together. I personally have very little experience in F1 and Ferrari know their business extremely well. They know exactly what is the best for me. I immediately felt at ease at Haas. That feeling sometimes takes longer. At Haas, it was already the case after the first day, after the first meeting. I am happy to have been placed there. It is a good place for me to develop further.”
Have you already been to the Haas factory?
Mick Schumacher: “Not yet. Due to Covid, everything is very limited. But if the option arises, I will take it.”
So you can’t drive in the simulator atm….
Mick Schumacher: “Fortunately, I have the opportunity to do it at home and practise my tracks & my driving skills there. But none of that is as good as sitting in the real car or in a decent-sized simulator like an F1 team has”
Sebastian Vettel was already in England through an exemption. Why didn’t you do the same?
Mick Schumacher: “There was this one possibility for drivers to visit their teams. But recently, these rules for athletes were changed again on super short notice….”
You won’t have liked reading that Friday practice is being cut from three to two hours.
Mick Schumacher: “And we only have three test days instead of six. I only get one and a half test days before my first race & then one hour less practice. No, I don’t like that..But those are the rules. I am sure we will manage that too. But of course my biggest goal is to drive as much as possible.”
On a scale of 1 to 10, how prepared do you feel for your first F1 season?
Mick Schumacher: “I would say 9, because we still have a few weeks until the start. I can improve even more until then. I feel very ready and I am looking forward to getting started soon.”
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