Mick Schumacher Q&A: Belgian Grand Prix
August 24, 2021
The first race after some down time is arguably one of the toughest tracks to master – Spa Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix – Round 12 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Eau Rouge, the left-right up to Raidillon – what is it like to race through such famous – and challenging – corners?
“In general, Spa is my favorite track, in any circumstance. For me, coming back to Spa is just great. I was there last year and previous years and obviously we’ve had a lot of ups and downs there. It’s definitely one of the most challenging tracks – it’s super long, there’s a lot of undulation in it, it’s very historical and definitely one of the most special weekends that we have on the calendar, so I’m really looking forward to going back. Also, having in mind some difficult times but we always keep everyone, especially Anthoine (Hubert), in our hearts when we go there.”
The Belgian Grand Prix is known for varying weather conditions – sometime with rain falling on some parts of the track with sun at others – due to its size. How does that affect the set-up of the car for the weekend?
“It doesn’t impact the car set-up that much because we can still change it during the practice sessions – so we have time to set it up our way, but usually the conditions are changeable over the course of the Grand Prix. I’m looking forward to getting on to some rain again which would be nice. Obviously, if it’s dry, I’m happy to go on dry too, so we’ll just let it come our way and then we’ll see!”
In 2017, you drove your father’s championship-winning Benetton B194 around a lap to mark the 25th anniversary of his maiden Formula 1 victory. We return to Spa this weekend on the 30th anniversary of his Formula 1 debut, during your first year in the sport. What was it like to drive that car and being able to experience those special moments?
“Driving my dad’s Benetton in 2017 was a great experience. Now, five years later I’m driving in Formula 1 myself and that’s 30 years after my dad made his debut. It’s a really special moment for me and my family, so very happy to go there and put my mark on that special track too.”
A year later in 2018, you won at Spa during your Formula 3 European Championship winning campaign. How does it feel to stand on top of the podium around such a circuit?
“It was my first win in Formula 3 in 2018 and the first one from a good streak. It was also my first pole position that year. It was very good to start off there as it’s such a special track to us as a family, and to me, so I’m very happy to be able to go back there and hopefully we’ll be able to pull something out of the hat, which would be great.”