Mick Schumacher debut campaign difficult on three fronts
Being a rookie at a team that hasn’t upgraded its car would be difficult enough challenge but Mick Schumacher also has to deal with the pressure of the Schumacher name, says Nico Hulkenberg.
Three decades after his father, Michael, made his Formula 1 debut, Mick Schumacher will be on the grid with Haas.
The 21-year-old German has joined the team in a multi-year deal, placed at the backmarker team by his big bosses at Ferrari’s driver academy.
It’s fair to say that never before has the spotlight shone this bright on a rookie driver.
The son of a seven-time World Champion, Schumacher’s bosses have urged caution and asked fans to give him time to find his feet in Formula 1.
But while many fans understand, comparisons to his father will still be made.
Hulkenberg says that pressure on the newcomer will be threefold.
When Monday hits and you remember you’ll be back in an F1 car this week ?#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/y0YqaS1SEB
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 8, 2021
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“Mick will of course get a lot of attention, especially in Germany,” Hulkenberg told Racingnews365.com.
“It won’t be easy for him because the expectations are high, but his team is not doing so well in terms of performance.
“It won’t be an easy path, like all rookies he will make mistakes that he will have to admit up to.
“It will probably not be so easy at the Haas at the beginning.”
Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel says Schumacher deserves his place on the 2021 grid after winning last year’s Formula 2 Championship.
“He didn’t somehow sneak his way in,” he told RTL, “he fought hard for it and deserves his place.”
The German added that his compatriot needs time to find his rhythm in F1.
“For his first year, you shouldn’t expect too much but just let him do his thing. You can really trust him in that,” he said.
He has, however, vowed to do all he can to mentor the German as Michael mentored him years back.
“Of course, Mick is very close to my heart and if I can help him in any way, I will do so,” he confirmed.
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