A 3rd Schumacher in Formula 1

A 3rd Schumacher in Formula 1

After his father Michael, seven-time world champion, and his uncle Ralf, six-time Formula 1 winner, Mick will be the third Schumacher to compete in the Canadian Grand Prix.

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Some may be unwise to believe that the 23-year-old German made it into Formula 1 thanks to his famous surname.

Whilst helping to attract media interest from an early age, the driver has indeed earned his place in Formula 1. In fact, he was crowned F3 European Champion in 2018, then F2 in 2020. With his two titles, he joined the Ferrari Academy and was founded at Haas in 2021.

Of course, you shouldn’t expect Mick to win at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit like his father and uncle did before him. Sure, the Haas VF-22 has shown it has the pace to play for points from race to race, but the Ferraris, Red Bulls and Mercedes of this world are almost in a different class.

An experienced teammate

However, there will be plenty of opportunity to shine for the young man who is suffering quite a bit from comparison to his much more experienced teammate Kevin Magnussen.

After the Azerbaijan GP, ​​Magnussen effectively led 15-0 in points.

Mick was also one of only two full-time drivers on the grid alongside Canadian Nicholas Latifi
(Williams), whose tally was still zero after seven races.

In just his second career Grand Prix, his famous father scored his first F1 points in 1991 with a fifth place finish at the legendary Monza circuit in Italy.

And on his 18th appearance at the 1992 Belgian GP, ​​he claimed the first of his 91 victories.

harsh criticism

Mick’s results this season are therefore disappointing and his strong tendency to wreck his car does not speak for him.

A budget cap came into effect that year and his two major accidents, including the one that ripped his car in half in Monaco, certainly aren’t helping him build his confidence or allay the worries of his bosses. These two evasive maneuvers cost his American employer dearly.

The German media also treated him very harshly after the Monegasque stopover.

AutoBild magazine was particularly harsh when he said his accidents were jeopardizing his future in Formula One.

His uncle Ralf was also harsh and put his column online
Sky Sport said it was a mistake “that you can’t afford” and that it had “budgetary consequences for the team”.

Haas Managing Director Günther Steiner himself indicated that something had to change.

“Of course we saw what happened with Mick. It’s not very satisfying to have another big accident. We’ll have to see how we progress from now on,” he said during his press conference in Monaco.

Vettel in his defence

For many, however, it’s too early to give up the game.

Mentoring the son of his childhood idol, Sebastian Vettel defended Mick after the Monaco GP.

The four-time world champion also thinks the media should leave him… alone.

“I have no doubt that he can do more than what he is showing at the moment,” said Lance Stroll’s team-mate.

Whatever the case, Schumacher’s name holds special meaning for Quebec and Canadian racing fans and there is no doubt that Mick’s presence in Montreal will make an impression.

AUTO PRIX F1 AZE QUALIFICATION

A historic double in Montreal

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The double of the brothers Ralf and Michael Schumacher in 2001 is certainly one of the formative moments of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Starting from second on the grid, Ralf spent a good part of the race behind Michael (Ferrari). After a few unsuccessful overtaking attempts, he took the lead at the final pit stops.

He was never concerned then, signing his second of six career wins. It was also the first time in Formula 1 history that two brothers climbed the top two steps of the podium.

You’ve accomplished the feat a total of five times. The Germans did it again two years later in Canada, this time with Michael at the helm. Other events include the French GP 2001, Brazil 2002 and Japan 2004.