Michael Schumacher’s Ex-Ferrari F1 Teammate Chides ‘Pressure’ Placed on Mick

Former F1 driver Felipe Massa believes Mick Schumacher experiences a burden coming into F1 because of his father Michael Schumacher’s unmatched legacy. The German is currently in his rookie season driving for the Haas F1 team. The echoes of his father’s achievements follow him at the topmost level of the sport. Haas is currently at the bottom of this constructors’ championship. The season was a tough one for Schumacher as well, he hasn’t been able to open his points tally in the season so far.

Massa had been a close confidant of the Schumacher family for last many years. Felipe and Michael drove together for Ferrari for a brief duration, during which they developed a close relationship. Needless to say, he is eager to see Mick perform at the top level. However. he believes the name Schumacher puts him under the scanner more than any other rookie.

Felipe Massa believes the pressure is extremely high on Mick

Massa has been in an F1 car long enough to know the pressures and demands of the sport. However, he thinks there is extra pressure on the young German to perform better than what his car allows.

“The Haas is the worst car in Formula 1. It doesn’t have the best teammates. If he had someone who had more experience, he would be able to measure himself much better. We’ll have to wait until he has a better car and a better teammate,” said Massa as reported by Speedweek.

“The name Schumacher is a burden for Mick. He helps him get sponsors and he gets a lot of support from that. But people expect things he can never do. The pressure is extremely high,” added the former Ferrari driver.

Mick wears Michael Schumacher’s name proudly

Massa was right in pointing out a key difference between legendary Michael Schumacher and his son. “Formula 1 was completely different back then. Michael was on a much better team.” 

Although there might be an unwanted pressure on the Haas driver to perform up to the standards set by his father, he wears the name proudly. “I’m very proud carrying the name into Formula One again and being able to race and feel my performance. I keep it and wear it very proudly,” said Mick in an interview with ESPN.

Schumacher junior doesn’t take it as a burden. The FIA Formula2 champion is confident about his skills and his love for the sport.“I’m very happy to have it. I drive and racing because I love the sport and love what I’m doing. I don’t see it as a burden, no.” said the German.

Hopefully, he’ll be able to do the Schumacher name proud with his performances in F1. What do you think?

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