Daddy Michael’s footsteps are fading: how “chunk pilot” Mick Schumacher is jeopardizing his F1 dream | formula 1

Since he could turn a steering wheel, enthusiasm flared. Since childhood, the spotlight has been on Mick Schumacher – scion of a seven-time world champion.

Karten did Michael’s only son under a pseudonym. But once in a real car, the sky-high expectations could no longer be ignored. And with every win in the run-up classes – including the overall win in F3 and F2 – the hopes of many fans reached unprecedented heights.

Following Michael, Mick Schumacher would also write history in Formula 1. Preferably at Ferrari, the racing stable with which father became world champion 5 times in a row (2000-2004).

Meanwhile, Schumacher has been competing in the premier class of motorsport for two years now.

The hard balance after 28 races? Zero World Cup points.

In his debut year, Schumi Junior could still use the excuse of a substandard Haas car, but that defense no longer holds.

Brand new teammate Kevin Magnussen outclassed his colleague – without any preparation, of course – in all areas and collected 15 points in seven races.

Schumacher especially attracted attention with some spectacular crashes. The German drove his car to a total loss for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Another mega crash followed in Monaco, which split Haas’ car in two.

Nicknames like “Schumi III” or “Quick Mick” gave way to the “King of Crashes” in the German press. A title that Schumacher takes over from former teammate Nikita Mazepin with the shame on his cheeks.

While the much-discussed Russian still served as a welcome distraction last season, Schumacher is now completely in the wind.

Comparisons with papa Michael had always been unfair, but the contrast is very stark.

Despite the appeal of his last name, questions are already being raised about Mick’s future in Formula 1. Hardly anyone talks about wet dream Ferrari anymore.

Team boss Günther Steiner of employer Haas has already made it clear that he is not delighted with the sky-high crash costs of his group.

“It’s not nice to have another big crash. We have to see how we continue from here”, were the unoptimistic words of Steiner.

Due to the tragic fate, the young driver cannot fall back on advice and action from his experienced father. Fortunately, there is Uncle Ralf, who as an analyst regularly protects the family honour.

“Such statements are typical of Steiner”, it sounds protectively to the ex-driver of, among others, Williams. “They allow too much interpretation, that is superfluous. And the team has also made a lot of mistakes … Both parties have to grow closer to each other, I see no problem for the rest.”

Still, the current circumstances do not speak in favor of the 23-year-old Schumacher. The pressure to perform is growing. Even with his pedigree, patience in the hyper-competitive F1 world is not endless.

“But I know that eventually the wheel will turn in the right direction,” Schumacher recently responded to the criticism. “I don’t care about the pressure and I don’t read newspapers. I am and remain confident, but realize that I will soon have to pick up points to silence the critics.”

And new mega crashes are certainly to be avoided.