Mick Schumacher Q&A: Italian Grand Prix

Monza has held the Italian Grand Prix every year bar once since 1950. What does it mean to be able to race around a circuit with such history, nostalgia and passionate fans?

“It means a lot of Ferrari fans – which is great! I know the Tifosi are a great bunch of people who really support the sport and they live the sport, which is nice because I’m a big fan of the sport also. To share that passion is great and I’m really looking forward to it, on top of being a part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, it’s great for me to go there and drive in front of the Tifosi.”

 

The circuit is nicknamed the temple of speed for good reason, with cars on full throttle for 80% of the lap. Having won here in Monza last year on your way to becoming Formula 2 Champion, how do you tackle such conditions?

“It’s a great place in general if you manage to set-up your car but also your strategy the right way – you can really benefit from it. Last year, I had a really good start, we managed to pull away from the field and were consistent. All of that helped to tackle those conditions and to be able to fight for the victory.”

This weekend will be the second event to feature Sprint qualifying. What did you make of the format in Silverstone, and will you prepare differently now having experience of how an altered race weekend unfolds?

“I think we can look forward to it. It will be interesting to see what we learned from the first event at Silverstone and be able to cope with it in a different way. For Monza it will definitely be interesting, as racing is always interesting there with a lot of overtaking and the passionate fans in the grandstands.”

 

As a Ferrari Academy driver, what added feelings does it bring to race in the Tifosi’s heartland? 

“I’m very much looking forward to driving there. The Ferrari Driver Academy does give me a feel for how it is to drive in front of the Tifosi, being part of the Ferrari family. Definitely looking forward to it.”