Mick Schumacher Q&A: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

We’re at Round 22 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the final race of your rookie season. How are you feeling physically and mentally and what are your thoughts going into the closing race of the year?

“The year has gone by quicker than I expected it would! It’s been a lot – I’ve learned massive amounts in terms of approach to weekends and how to approach races. I am excited about my last race, I think we’re all ready for a break. It’s been a long year with lots of insecurities at times as well but overall, we’ve managed it well. We’ve got more than expected from the car and I’m happy with that. I think we achieved many good things and many things that we know we can improve for next year.”

 

The Yas Marina circuit has undergone comprehensive changes this season – designed to improve overtaking opportunities and overall racing. Do you think the changes will promote closer racing? You’ve raced here previously; do you think the changes will promote closer racing? You’ve raced here previously, do you think the changes will promote closer racing?

“I think we’ll have to wait and see until we arrive and do our first free practice. On paper, it’s always easy to say there will be an increase in opportunities, but the fact is we always arrive to a track and then find that it’s not the case. I’m going to the race with an open mind. Do I hope there are more overtaking opportunities – yes – I think that is something clearly that we would like for here. Hopefully it will also improve our ability to race with other cars.”

 

Once the checkered flag falls on Sunday, and after the end-of-season test, what are your immediate plans? Back to family for the festive period or already thinking about 2022 preparations?

“First of all, we have the test, which is an important one for us, so the focus will be 100 per cent for that. Then, I can let my guard down a bit and enjoy my time off and recharge the batteries as much as I can before going into 2022. When I am in that period of recovery, I will definitely be thinking a lot about next year and will be in constant exchange with the team involved. I want to be involved as much as I can in that period because obviously next year is hopefully an important year for us, where we can make it work where we expect it to. Definitely, our thoughts are on 2022 preparation – I’m really looking forward to it.”