Schumacher not openly aiming for F2 title in 2020

With a surname as famous as that of Schumacher, difficult to escape the eye of the media. Even more so when we arrive in the official antechamber of the F1 crowned with a title in Formula 3 Europe 

On the eve of the last round of the season in Abu Dhabi, what conclusions can we draw from young Mick's first campaign in Formula 2 ? Mixed is probably the most appropriate word. Schumacher currently occupies a modest 12th place in the Drivers' standings but he has an encouraging victory during the Sprint round in Budapest and has shown some good performances over several race weekends, notably in Austria. 

« In terms of pure performance, it was a positive season, believes the son of the seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher. When it comes to reliability, however, the results are more mixed. On several occasions, we have missed out on big results due to external factors. 

Without this, we could have recorded more convincing scores. Often, these concerns have manifested themselves during long races, but the format of F2 rounds means that you are penalized throughout the weekend. It's a real shame because I think we could have more points and a better ranking in the championship ». 

A season to learn, a season to win, this is often the adage in promotion formulas, especially if you want to continue your rise to the premier category. Schumacher, who has already been confirmed for a second F2 campaign with Prema, nevertheless refuses to clearly announce the color when questioned on the side of Yas Marina.

« I don't mean I'm aiming for the title, he simply asserted. It's more a question of state of mind and I want to fight for the best places ».

Schumacher will already have a lot to do in his own team where lands outgoing F3 champion Robert Shwartzman replacing Sean Gelael, who is not really a lightning bolt. 

The two members of the Ferrari Driver Academy know each other well having raced together at Prema during F3 Europe in 2018. The German, who won the crown that season, was then in his second season at this level when the Russian was making his debut there. beginnings.  

Unlike meteorites like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, or George Russell, Schumacher often needed time to adapt before giving his full potential and his career in F2 confirms this trend.

« I have the feeling that I have learned a lot this season, within a larger structure than in F3, at the wheel of a new car, which is really not easy to drive., added the person concerned. We can see that many drivers stay in the category for several years, which shows the difficulty of the championship. 

The car has also gained weight, which makes tire management even more difficult. The learning curve was actually quite steep but I think we did well overall. ». 

Schumacher has already validated his F1 Super License by carrying out tests with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo for Bahrain at the start of 2019. There is no doubt that a successful 2020 campaign would bring him closer to a seat in the premier category.