Mick Schumacher Q&A: Austrian Grand Prix
July 6, 2022
Following on from his first Formula 1 points score at Silverstone, Mick previews the second race in as many weeks as we return to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.
Round 11 of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship is the Austrian Grand Prix, the second Sprint weekend on the 2022 schedule. The first in Imola netted you a then-best 10th place finish, so do you like the added opportunity of two races in one weekend?
“I’m excited about simply going to Austria. It’s a great track, a great venue, and it’s always nice. It’s good weather usually so I bring my bike and go cycling with the team. I’ve done sprints a lot in some format in Formula 2 but I like driving free practice sessions and being able to really perfect the car, and then go into qualifying. Everything builds up to that big event whereas I feel with the Sprint you have one free practice, one qualifying and then you go straight into the Sprint itself and sometimes it can feel a bit rushed.”
You’ve said previously that Austria was one of your favorite events last year. What is it that you like about the Red Bull Ring and the close surroundings of the track?
“First of all, I think it’s beautiful – all the mountains and “Heidi-esque” vibe, it’s super cool. I had a great time with the team last year and I enjoy the mountain area. It’s always been a good track to me in some ways, so I’m excited about going back there and hopefully we’ll have a good weekend.”
The area around the track is known for having changing weather. Having experienced good results with the VF-22 in the wet, most noticeably during qualifying in Montreal, do you look forward to the chance of rain?
“Yes! I want the wet, I want it to rain. This year as well with the car it definitely helps, so that obviously helps for motivation in the rain. If you already have the thought that you’re happy about rain, that can change a lot in how you approach it compared to a person who doesn’t like rain and doesn’t want to drive – it’s all about mindset.”
At 677 meters above sea level, engines and brakes come in for a hard time in Austria. With these new cars, how vital is looking after them going to be in order to make it to the finish line on Sunday?
“I think this year more than ever it’s a matter of conserving the brakes and trying to maximize what you have. Those things unfortunately don’t go hand in hand so you’re kind of on the limit of both and it’s about what do you prioritize – making the car as quick as it can go or making the car reliable as it can be, so it’s up to us to find.”