‘I Was Worried’: Mick Schumacher Explains Biggest Fear of Pandemic

Haas driver Mick Schumacher will be making his long-anticipated debut in Formula One for the upcoming 2021 season. The German almost feared that his debut season in F1 would not happen this season.

Schumacher enters Formula One as the reigning Formula Two Champion, racing for Prema. The German massively improved on his debut campaign in Formula Two, where he finished 12th in the Driver’s Championship.

The 21-year-old will form one half of a rookie lineup for Haas in the 2021 season. He will be partnering with Russian Nikita Mazepin for the upcoming season.

Mick Schumacher feared he would not debut in F1 in 2021

Mick Schumacher almost thought that he wouldn’t be in F1 in 2021. In an interview (translated via Google), he said, “The pandemic has affected everyone and has caused serious problems for many.”

He reflects that the 2020 season was his best season in racing to date. He said, “But 2020 has been a satisfying year for me. To be honest, it’s been the best year since I started racing and my childhood dreams have come true, so I feel like I’m a little behind.”

“When the pandemic began, many countries had almost complete lockdowns. In that situation, sports were, of course, not a priority. The second season in F2 was postponed by one year and F1 I was worried that my dream of running in Formula 1 would be postponed.”

Mick Schumacher was able to fulfill his dream, thanks to the effort of FIA, F1, and F2 authorities. They ensured the 2020 season went ahead without any major hiccups in a safe and secure environment.

Schumi Jr foray into F1

Mick Schumacher enters F1 with the weight of expectations on him. He will inevitably be compared to his father Michael, who is a Seven-Time World Champion.

The 21-year-old should be able to make his mistakes without external forces maximizing his successes or failures.  He has a history of starting slowly in every category he’s raced in.

The Haas driver generally comes to terms with his machinery in that first season. He then works on his mistakes in the offseason and comes roaring to a very good subsequent season.

This is the key characteristic of any World Champion. They work on their mistakes and hone them to the point they become their strength.

His joining Haas this season is very smart and somewhat takes away the glare of media on him as Haas are expected to be the rear-enders along with Williams. Haas can also gear their 2022 car development around him.