Vettel: Mick has earned, not sneaked, F1 spot

Jamie Woodhouse
Mick Schumacher Sebastian Vettel

Mick Schumacher earned his way into Formula 1 says Sebastian Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel expects Mick Schumacher to impress in Formula 1 after earning his place on the grid for 2021.

Son of seven-time former World Champion Michael Schumacher, Mick has, as expected, been one of the most scrutinised junior racers of all time as he worked his way up the ranks.

And 2020 was a breakout season as he lifted the Formula 2 Championship winner’s trophy, finishing on the podium eight times, including two race wins, in what was one of the most competitive grids in recent seasons.

Now Schumacher, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, gets his chance in Formula 1 with Haas, so the attention on the German youngster will only increase further.

But Vettel expects Schumacher to deliver a solid rookie campaign, also making it clear his compatriot earned his place in Formula 1.

“Mick is a great kid, a very quick learner, very mature for his age and I think he will do a very good job,” the former four-time World Champion told RTL.

“He didn’t somehow sneak his way in, he fought hard for it and deserves his place.”

Schumacher has a reputation for taking time to adapt to a new series before rising to the top and Formula 2 was the perfect example of that.

Vettel said it is important not to expect too much too soon from Schumacher’s first season of Formula 1.

“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 explained.

Mick Schumacher Sebastian Vettel

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In his younger years, Vettel found Mick’s father Michael to be a real mentor in his fledgling career and so is keen to repay that service and be there for Mick.

“Of course, Mick is very close to my heart and if I can help him in any way, I will do so,” he confirmed.

The 2021 Formula 1 season gets under way on March 28 with the Bahrain Grand Prix, but before that the teams have a much shortened period of three days for pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit held from March 12-14.

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