Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto praised the progress of Mick Schumacher’s debut F1 season.
Mick moved up after winning the 2020 F2 championship, 2018 F3 championship and entered the F1 world with Haas.
Binotto boasted to F1, “Mick in his very first year in F1 driving for Haas, I think we said at the start of the season that the objective for him was first no pressure, but to make sure that he is learning. So 2021 has to be for him an important year in terms of learning. And I think if we look at that objective he is doing well.”
Schumacher has demonstrated his courageous capabilities and speedy skills despite track incidents with his Haas teammate Nikita Mazepin. The 22-year old doesn’t back down even when faced with unfortunate encounters.
From the start of the season, Mick made rollercoaster moves. In Bahrain, he qualified 19th and finished 16th. By Imola, Schumacher earned 18th in qualifying and secured 16th for the race finish. At Portimão, he started on the grid 19th and rose to 17th to finish. While in Barcelona, Mick started and finished 18th. For Monaco, it wasn’t good after he crashed out of the final practice. Schumacher’s VF-21 car sustained severe damage. By Baku, Schumacher started 17th and finished 13th. For France, F1 fans felt the pain as he qualified for his first French Grand Prix but couldn’t take part after his car crashed into the barriers.
Either way, Mattia mentioned that he’s happy with his performance so far this season.
For the Austrian doubleheader, Mick managed to finish 16th after starting 19th in Styria. Then he qualified 19th and rose to 18th for round 2. Silverstone saw Schumacher start in 19th and take 18th. It was at the next race that he came alive.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, he went wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen which displayed determination. After all, racing is about taking risks. After 69 laps, Mick claimed 12th. It was his best race finish for the first half of the season.
Schumacher said after the Budapest battle, “For me personally, from a growth point of view, it was very good. We always knew it was going to be tough but today was a very nice day and after having a disappointing day yesterday, we came back on a high. Ending this first half of the season on a high is very positive for everybody – the team and myself – and being able to battle with the top guys brought me so much experience and knowing that I can throw out my elbows, I’m glad I got that opportunity.”
Mick as a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy has elevated his motorsport skills through hard work and pure talent. Schumacher’s entered 11 Grands Prix. His highest grid position is 15th so far. The German is currently 19th with 0 points in the driver standings. Haas is 10th with 0 points in the constructor standings.
Still, it appears the Ferrari team is keeping an eye on him. Could we see him follow in his father’s footsteps? There’s loads of potential there. Let’s see after the summer break. Formula 1 returns at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Headline Image Credit: Haas F1.