Mick Schumacher Q&A: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The penultimate race of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship brings us to the coastal resort of Jeddah, for the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Organizers have said average speeds around the circuit are set to be 250km/h – making it the fastest street circuit ever seen in the sport. Can you give us your thoughts on tackling this new and exciting challenge?

“250km/h sounds pretty fast so I’m definitely excited to see what it’s going to be like driving around the circuit. Nobody has driven around the track before so to tackle it, it’s important to get up to pace in FP1 and find your way around, to get the philosophy of the track right. It’s always a challenge I feel to find the right approach to a new track and that’s the same for everybody.”

 

Another unique element of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is that it will feature a record-breaking 27 corners. With many fast, sweeping bends compared to traditional 90-degrees corners, which does your style of racing prefer and do you think it will be a test on tires?

“If we get down to style, Brazil is probably the best track in terms of flow that fits to me. I don’t know how Jeddah looks, I haven’t seen it fully yet but it’s going to be interesting finding how it feels for us. There is no real preference to me – I just enjoy driving so therefore I’m looking forward to getting out there and experiencing it for myself.”

 

With three DRS zones featuring on this street circuit, there’s going to be plenty of opportunity for action and overtaking. Do you think the VF-21 can get involved in some of those battles as the season reaches its climax? 

“Hopefully we’re going to be involved in the overtaking and be in a position where we can fight. The hope is there and for sure we will try our best to get up to pace and fight with some other cars.”