Mick Schumacher Q&A: United States Grand Prix

We arrive at Uralkali Haas F1 Team’s home race – the United States Grand Prix – for Round 17 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. What do you like about the States and in particular Austin, Texas?

“It’s our home race so obviously I’m excited about that, but it’s much more than that. I like Austin and the US. It’s special and it’s something where Formula 1 isn’t as big just yet but we’re on the verge of becoming very big, especially due the ‘Drive to Survive’ series. I’m very much looking forward to it as it’s a great show, there’s always so much happening and frankly, I’m just super excited about going back to the states.” 

You haven’t raced around this track before, but it’s instantly recognizable with many of the corners have hosted famous battles previously. Which section are you most looking forward to racing around and have you ever faced anything like the uphill run into Turn 1 before?

“I think it’s a very special track. You have the first part which is super quick with tight corners and it’s very bumpy, so it’s definitely a challenge but also, it’s a racetrack where overtaking is definitely possible. Hopefully for us it will be a wet race as it will give us the most opportunities but if not, I’m just looking forward to racing out on that track. You say it’s had famous battles previously, and I’m sure we will be able to be a part of those one day.”

 

Although we’ve left Europe, the cold weather is set to follow us. You’ve mentioned before that the tires are the hardest thing to learn to manage in Formula 1, pardon the pun but do you think you’ve got a better grip on them coming into the latter stages of the season?

“The tires act differently in different weather conditions, so I’m sure we’ll manage. We’ve got experience with the team more than as drivers but it’s something we have to learn and it’s great that we have the opportunity to. Hopefully we manage to have a few races ahead of us that aren’t as cold as Europe, but a bit warmer.”