First Q3 for Mick Schumacher in Barcelona: “Very happy and grateful” to Haas

Mick Schumacher will have experienced an afternoon of twists and turns on Saturday, in Barcelona. Betrayed by his mechanics in Free Practice 3 with a broken right rear brake, the German driver was finally able to participate in qualifying. The team’s effort Haas was rewarded with a first appearance in Q3 for Schumacher, who will start 10th in the Spanish Grand Prix. “We are very happy to have reached the Q3, he reflected. Even though we didn't seem to be on pace, we still managed to make everything work. We didn't race in FP3, that really put a damper on us but we were able to get back into the game. I am very happy today and very grateful to the whole team. »

Haas was active to allow its young driver to race in Q1. The American team had to change the gearbox, rear wing and right rear brake in less than two hours. “They did a great job, and you know that being able to drive in Q3 without having driven in FP3 is really a great effort from everyone on the team” did not fail to greet Mick Schumacher after qualifying.

Schumacher confident before the race

At Haas, the double qualification in Q3 (with Magnussen in 8th position) is confirmation that the choice not to make changes was the right one. The American team, which preferred to rely on its current package in Barcelona, ​​placed its two cars in Q3 for the first time since 2019. “We haven’t made any changes while the others have installed tons of them, but we remain among the good teams, it’s definitely a good feeling” assured Mick Schumacher on Saturday.

The German driver, looking for his first points in Formula 1, wants to be confident before the race. “Starting from 10th place, we are already in the points, so we just have to stay there… or even maybe gain a few positions at the front (…) It’s so difficult to overtake here, so people take a lot of risks. We'll see what happens. » Mick Schumacher, who came very close to a first top 10 in Miami before his accident with Sebastian Vettel, gives Barcelona a chance to catch up.

SEE ALSO > VIDEO – The summary of the qualifications of the Spanish GP