Mick Schumacher Q&A: Bahrain Grand Prix

Describe your experience of working with the team now you’ve had the off-season to prepare and the pre-season test under your belt. What has surprised you the most on the team-side moving up into Formula 1?

“My experience with the team has been good. Obviously, we’ve had the FP1 session and the full weekend together before the test, the rookie day, in Abu Dhabi last season, which was really good. Now having had the first pre-season test with me being an official driver in the team, it’s been very nice – I feel super comfortable with the team. We’re working hard and I really feel everyone’s super motivated. That’s also then really motivating for me. I’m happy the season’s getting underway now and we really start the work.” 

 

Has it sunk in yet that after all the preparation, the training, and pre-season testing - this is finally it, with Sunday heralding your first Grand Prix start?

“Yes, it has sunk in. Obviously, I’m super excited about the first race in Bahrain. Thinking about it, it’s thirty years since my dad started his first race, and now I’m starting mine. The fact that I’m in Formula 1 and away to be racing – it feels so amazing. I’m so happy that I’m finally there, finally able to race with everybody, and to show my potential working with a great team. I will learn and improve as a driver and as a human.” 

 

How does it feel to know you’ll be on the same grid as the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel? Do you view your first start in Formula 1 as both an accomplishment, in joining those illustrious names on the grid, but also just the beginning in terms of making your own mark in the sport?

“Yes, definitely. I have a lot of respect for all of them both as drivers and as people. It’s going to be nice starting on the same grid as them and being amongst the top 20 drivers in the world. I’m really happy about that. I’m just really happy that things are getting underway now and I’m close to starting my first season in Formula 1.”

 

Looking beyond Bahrain, and knowing the intensity of the planned 2021 Formula 1 23-race schedule - which events are you most looking forward to?

“I’m definitely looking forward to Spa (Belgium). I think it’s one of the most iconic tracks to race at. Suzuka (Japan) as well, it’s a track I haven’t raced at yet. I’ve driven a lot of laps on it in a simulator so it’s definitely one of the tracks I’m most looking forward to on this calendar that I haven’t raced at. Obviously, there are many race tracks that I love, such as Monza (Italy) too. I’m happy to get to all of those tracks in a Formula 1 car and feel the speed in the car. I’m happy, proud and really looking forward to it.”