Oval tracks included: Mick Schumacher talks about risk, respect, and the fascination of IndyCar. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t convinced.”
Mick Schumacher is looking forward to his future in IndyCar with palpable anticipation. After leaving Formula 1, the 26-year-old wants to get back to racing in a way that feels right for him. “It’s great. That’s how racing should be,” says Schumacher, explaining why he was convinced to make the move to the US series.
Schumacher’s path to Formula 1 led him to titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2. In the premier class, however, he quickly reached his limits. “In Formula 1, the cars very much define what is possible,” he says in retrospect. At Haas, he often found himself just managing rather than fighting. That’s exactly what he wants to change now.
Schumacher sees IndyCar as a much more open environment. “There are so many potential winners. It’s much more up to you to get the most out of yourself,” he explains. This challenge appeals to him. “I’m really looking forward to it, and I think there’s a lot to be excited about.”
He is particularly taken with the style of racing. “It reminds me a bit of the good old days of karting,” says Schumacher. The duels are tough but fair. “A lot of side-by-side racing, maybe a little contact here and there. The cars are pretty robust, and many drivers tell me how much they enjoy this style of racing.”
For him, it’s about getting completely absorbed in the car again. “For me, it was simply a matter of getting into my own car, having that feeling, and taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way,” says Schumacher. “I’m just excited about the racing and the fun it will bring.”
The decisive impetus came after a test on the Indianapolis road course. Even then, he was “very open” to a future in the series. A few weeks later, he was confirmed for a full program. “It was interesting for me to get back into single-seaters and really establish myself in them,” he explains.
Oval tracks are no obstacle
Schumacher is not put off by the prospect of oval racing either. Six of the 17 races in the season take place on ovals, including Indianapolis. “Of course I’ve thought about it,” he says. “But motorsport is dangerous overall. I don’t see why one thing should be more dangerous than another.”
He also refers to intensive discussions with his new team. “Jay [Frye, RLL President] has played a big part in making oval racing and IndyCar safer in general,” explains Schumacher. “We’ve had many discussions about it, and it all sounded very positive to me.”
Nevertheless, he approaches the subject with respect. “I don’t take it lightly,” he clarifies. “The speeds are crazy, we drive really close together. But I accept this risk for the fun of racing.”
All or nothing
Most recently, his uncle Ralf Schumacher expressed skepticism about the risks of oval racing. However, Mick does not share these concerns, as he has already announced publicly. A reduced program was also never an option for him. “For me, it was important not to do anything halfway,” says Schumacher. “Oval tracks are part of it. I talked to a lot of people with positive and negative experiences and had to figure it out for myself.” His conclusion is clear. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t 100 percent convinced.”