Formula 1 newcomer Mick Schumacher believes that aiming for the podium is not out of the question in 2021.
The reigning Formula 2 champion will make his F1 debut for Haas F1 Team next month in Bahrain alongside fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin in an all-new line-up after the departure of Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.
Grosjean provided the team’s best result in 2020 with ninth place in the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Haas’ only other points finish last season was at Hungary. Even so, Schumacher is already aiming for higher things.
“We have to be clear about what the car’s potential is,” he told Auto Motor Und Sport in an exclusive interview. “We have to be honest with ourselves and do our job.
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“The best thing would of course be to collect points,” he acknowledged. “And if there should be some crazy races like last year, maybe a podium will come out.
“Even if it is a bridging year for us, if the option arises and the spark of luck plays along, we will give everything to then use the luck and bring the results home.
“Sure that’s a dream, but we’re allowed to dream. But first and foremost we have to be realistic,” he added. “I’ll have to wait for the first couple of races to give an informed answer.
“I want to get used to the team very quickly so that I feel very comfortable and they get along with me,” he continued. “If we can do that, the results will come.
“Of course, I promise myself a lot from myself,” he admitted. “There is always pressure. I make it myself. I have expectations of myself.
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