Mick Schumacher made a strong impression in his first IndyCar test and could give his motorsport career a new kick in the US racing series. The former Formula 1 driver does not share Uncle Ralf’s concerns.
Mick Schumacher’s performance on his first outing in an IndyCar car was impressive. On Monday, the German completed a test in a car from the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Result: Schumacher drove the second fastest time behind former Formula 2 driver and reigning Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger.
From Schumacher’s statements after the test drive it can be concluded that he has acquired a taste for IndyCar. “The single seaters attract me. I just love seeing my wheels,” said the ex-Formula 1 driver in a media round: “My father always said: The Schumachers are faster when they see their wheels.”
Michael Schumacher himself had always ruled out the US series and the prestigious 500-mile race in Indianapolis for himself. The Formula 1 icon found oval races in particular too risky.
A view that Mick’s uncle Ralf Schumacher also shares. The “Sky” expert has emphasized this several times; he recently said in the “Backstage Pit Lane” podcast that the IndyCar series was “simply too dangerous.”
Oval would “not deter” Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher does not share the safety concerns. “I’m not worried,” said the 26-year-old in a media roundtable in Indianapolis. However, he did not turn his first Indy laps on the oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but also on the “Road Course”.
“I’ve never driven an oval before, so I can’t say more about it. But so far I haven’t heard anything that would put me off,” said Schumacher when asked about the high-speed races in the USA.
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“Safety is of course a high priority for everyone. IndyCar has made many adjustments and changes to make it safer. And I’m sure they will continue to improve.”
Schumacher is aware, however, that safety is “only guaranteed to a certain extent” “at the speeds that you drive. But I think that all precautionary measures are being taken.”
Schumacher therefore did not rule out an oval test. “If you have a good feel for a stable car and a good feel for when you’re close to the limit, you’ll do well,” he said.