Mick Schumacher Q&A: Monaco Grand Prix

Round 7 of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship takes Formula 1 to the Principality for the Monaco Grand Prix. With these new cars that can follow for longer, do you expect there to be more opportunity for racing?

“Yes, the cars are easier to follow but Monaco is still a track where you can’t overtake and these cars are heavier. They’re mainly made for high-speed with the ground effect that we have so it will be interesting to see. There will definitely be new ways of approaching this weekend but it’s the same for everyone so we’ll just go for it and try our best, and hopefully have a good qualifying.”

 

When discussing all the headline events that the Formula 1 calendar now includes, you’ve said you’re in favor of Monaco remaining on the schedule. Why do you have such a fondness for the event and why in your opinion is Monaco still a jewel in the crown for the sport?

“It’s been a part of Formula 1 for so long and it’s a historic venue. It would be a shame to lose something which has been in the sport for so many years. It has always been counted as one of the big events to win. If you have the big three wins – the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans – it would be a shame to lose that opportunity. It’s something that some drivers chase, it’s maybe not my number one priority, but some still might want to do that.”

This will be the first season that the Monaco Grand Prix follows a standard three-day event format, as previously practice sessions took place on Thursday with Friday serving as a ‘day off’. What impact, if any, does that make to preparations, and what did you use to do with the free day – sightseeing around the Riviera or working with the team at track? 

“I was usually cycling or working out and going to visit the team. Honestly, I think it’s the right choice from a financial point as everything is quite expensive and reducing that does make a difference.”

 

Monaco was a learning curve in your rookie season last year, how did you take those moments and turn them into valuable lessons and in the case of Monaco, did you have to change your approach, as many drivers have admitted to previously?

“I think Monaco was overall great up until then. We were on for a good lap and just took it a bit too far in FP3 rather than qualifying. Monaco is always unforgiving, so I won’t talk too early but I’m looking forward to going back there and driving because the race was fun. I feel like you always have to adapt although it’s not necessarily that I consciously change my driving style, but I adapt to the needs of the car and the track itself.”