Mick Schumacher Q&A: Turkish Grand Prix

We come to Round 16 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the Turkish Grand Prix, and a circuit you haven’t raced at before. How does that change preparation ahead of this weekend, especially following a string of races where you’ve known the track inside out?

“It means that we have to prepare well with the team, obviously the team has raced there last year so we’ll get experience from them and analyze the data from last year, I can analyze videos to see and therefore prepare myself for the race weekend.”

 

Although you haven’t raced around Istanbul Park, it’s a track that has garnered lots of admiration throughout the years, with many seeing similarities with Spa-Francorchamps and Interlagos. Along with turn eight – a very fast left-hander that has created lots of action – where else do you expect opportunities to climb the field?

“We are not there yet so we don’t know what our competitiveness is going to be but definitely we’ll make sure we do our best and hopefully that will be enough to be close to the field and maybe fight them.”

Turkey borders both Asia and Europe, and this race marks the last time this season we are set to race in Europe before a tour of the Americas and Asia. How would you summarize this leg of the season and is there a different feel to flyaway races compared to when many drivers choose to stay in motorhomes close to the circuit?  

“It was kind of cold! Most races like Spa have been cold, in Russia it’s cold, but obviously it’s been nice being in Europe but I’m very much looking forward to the overseas races though. I’ll be staying in a motorhome in the States as we have a ranch quite close, I’ll bring it down so that doesn’t change much for me. Mexico and Brazil – a bit like Bahrain at the beginning of the year – I’ve been in the hotel so that doesn’t change much in terms of my preparations.”

 

Can you talk us through a driver’s motorhome? Alone, with others? What’s included, what atmosphere do you create, routine – bedtime? Hard to exercise without a gym? 

“I’ve had the same motorhome since 2013. I’ve been in go-karts with it, so I’ve taken it everywhere! I’m very happy with it, I feel very comfy. We don’t have a proper gym as such, as that would be huge, but we have a little room where we can do some training. For me, it’s just nice to be able to sleep in my own bed, which in my motorhome it is.”