Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is not surprised by Mick Schumacher’s stumbling start in the IndyCar Series.
“It’s not that easy because just growing up in Europe, you’re used to smooth tracks where everything is done properly, and here the car bounces around and moves back and forth,” Montoya told Betpack. “The tracks are a lot bumpier and the racing is tougher in the IndyCar Series. It’s really difficult to adjust to that and make it work. That’s part of the problem more than anything else.”
Montoya, who once drove for Williams and McLaren in Formula 1, made an IndyCar guest appearance in 2014 and 2016. In 2015 he came second overall in the US racing series.
Schumacher, who recorded his best IndyCar result to date with 17th place in Long Beach, California, had an “easy ride” in the formula series, noted Montoya. “He won every race. But in a way that didn’t help him because when you get into Formula 1 there is no place to hide.”
The 50-year-old Colombian believes that Schumacher will still get going on his US adventure.
“Over time he will find his way in the IndyCar Series,” predicted Montoya. “When they go to the road courses it will be a much easier weekend for him. The tracks are really smooth and suit his background better. He should take a big step forward on the Indy road courses.”
Mick Schumacher still has Formula 1 return in the back of his mind
Compared to RTL/ntv and sport.de Schumacher recently stated that the IndyCar series was “a big change from what I have experienced in motorsport so far.”
He specified: “The people work completely differently here. It’s a new environment that you have to get used to. It’s definitely fun. The most fun is racing in my own car again.”
Video: F1 comeback? “Wouldn’t say no”
On “Sky” Schumacher also revealed an injury that is currently troubling him.
During his accident during the opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, “a piece of my wrist broke off, which I’m still struggling with,” said the 27-year-old. “That means I actually get out of the car and am in pain, which is of course suboptimal.”
He is expected to undergo surgery at the end of the year “to put it all back together.”
