Mick Schumacher learned more ‘tricks’ from Sebastian Vettel in Zandvoort duel

Jon Wilde
Mick Schumacher greets Sebastian Vettel with a handshake. Spain May 2022

Haas driver Mick Schumacher greets Aston Martin driver and friend Sebastian Vettel with a handshake. Spain May 2022

Mick Schumacher said he had learned a few more “tricks” from Sebastian Vettel while the duo were dicing in the Dutch Grand Prix.

The two German friends at opposite ends of their Formula 1 careers memorably clashed in Miami earlier this season, a collision that cost Schumacher the chance of his first points in the series.

They went wheel to wheel again at Zandvoort but this time kept it cleaner, although there was nothing tangible at stake for either of them – Schumacher ended up finishing 13th, one place ahead of Vettel.

The four-time former World Champion has taught his 12 years younger compatriot plenty during their season-and-two-thirds simultaneously in the F1 paddock, and Schumacher said he had tucked away more knowledge at Zandvoort.

He will need to do so while he can, of course, because Vettel is retiring at the end of the campaign.

“We had a lot of fun,” said the Haas driver, whose own future is uncertain as he will be out of contract at the end of the season and also appears set to leave the Ferrari Academy.

“We went through three, four corners together. From my point of view, it was a lot of fun.

“I learned a lot from him again in those situations. He always shows me what’s what and the tricks he has in store. Hopefully I’ll be able to use those some time.”

Vettel also offered his take on the duel, telling Sky Germany: “It’s hard to get past into the first corner, you don’t see that often. I gave him enough space and he used it.

“At that moment I didn’t feel so comfortable – we lost a lot of time at the pit-stop and should have been much further ahead. It wasn’t going our way.”

The Aston Martin driver also defended himself after receiving a five-second time penalty for ignoring blue flags, having exited the pits straight in front of a battle between Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton which he got in the way of.

“I knew it was three corners and I was faster,” said the 35-year-old. “I don’t know who the blue flag and penalty was for.

“I think it’s funny it takes half the race before you get the penalty. It didn’t benefit anyone. I didn’t win anything and I didn’t cost anyone anything.

“Losing some time is normal. It depends on where you come out. Whether it’s three turns or five, I did it (moved aside) fairly and in a place where they don’t lose any time at all. It’s give and take.”