Mick Schumacher: Ferrari academy driver hasn’t convinced Formula 1 experts despite getting his first F1 testing opportunity in Bahrain
Mick Schumacher got his hands on a Ferrari F1 car yesterday, during the 1st day of Bahrain Testing, thrilled to have received the opportunity to drive a Ferrari car.
He was second fastest on the grid, with Max Verstappen topping the charts. While, there was a lot of hype around Mick Schumacher driving the Ferrari, a few F1 experts feel that Michael Schumacher’s son is just ‘average’ and does not have that X-Factor about him.
Mick Schumacher won the F3 last season, after a very close season with arch rival Dan Ticktum. While, Mick managed to win the title, he did not take the leap of faith and jump into F1, as he felt that he needed to take things step by step and moving into F2 was the more logical step.
20 years old, Mick is now into the public eye, one because of his surname and two because of being the F3 champion. With public eye comes public opinion and criticism and the critics have started to voice their opinion about the quality and talent of Mick Schumacher.
Mick Schumacher
“I have yet to think ‘Wow’,” Dutch commentator Olav Mol said.
“I see a young man who still has a way to go.” he added.
With Ferrari having offered him a contract, Mol feels that they must have seen a spark in him and wouldn’t have done so only because of his surname.
“Ferrari would not pick him up just because of his surname, even it undoubtedly helps,” Mol said.
“The name alone won’t get it done.
“But to date, I have found him to be average in all of the previous classes.
“It’s up to him to prove me wrong, but he has enough time.” he added.
John Lammers, former F1 driver too has voiced his reservations regarding Mick Schumacher, confirming that he doesn’t seem as talented as Max Verstappen on the first go.
“There are the ones who make an immediate impression and those who take a little longer,” he said
“He needs a little longer than Max Verstappen, who has been the uncrowned world champion in terms of driving for the past four years except in the results.
“The car is very important, and that Schumacher is already driving a Ferrari helps.” he added.
Mick would return to Bahrain testing for a second day, but this time would be driving the Alfa Romeo instead. He is sure to love his time in an F1 car and would then return to focus on his F2 season, one where he would be determined to make a mark. Lando Norris and George Russell have been promoted from F2 to F1 and Mick Schumacher would be hoping that a strong season could help him find his way into Formula 1 too.
