The Run In: Assessing Mick Schumacher’s Chances

Very little can be said of Mick Schumacher that hasn’t already been said. The Ferrari junior is rumoured to be the frontrunner for a seat at HAAS in Formula 1 after an incredible season in Formula 2, where he has silenced his doubters.

The German’s first season in F2 was solid, if unspectacular, and this left some fans wondering whether he would be able to step up in 2020. He’s done that in spades, taking 10 podiums so far, including two wins.

Schumacher stole the Championship lead for the first time this year during Round 9 at Mugello and hasn’t looked back, increasing his advantage to 22 points over Callum Ilott, with four races to go.

Ahead of the season finale, we evaluate his season so far.

CONSISTENCY IS KING

In terms of race wins, his second victory of the year at Sochi was undoubtedly his most complete performance in F2 so far, but the most impressive thing about Schumacher in 2020 has been his unrelenting consistency.

To have scored 10 podiums from 10 rounds is remarkable. It is no secret that consistency is king in F2 and the German driver clearly understands this – he’d rather score a strong points’ finish than risk it all for the sake of another victory.

The German has earned himself a tag as the strongest starter on the grid. His trademark launch off the line has regularly put him in a position to score strongly, no matter where he’s lined up. It’s for that reason that he’s scored five of his podiums on Sunday, when starting slightly further down the order on the reverse grid. Rule him out of a race at your peril.

A DIFFICULT START

Schumacher would have ran away with the title by now had he started the season in his current form. The German didn’t score a podium until Round 3, while all of his pointless finishes came inside of the opening four weekends. In the six rounds since, he has scored in every single race and taken eight podiums.

There were a few hairy moments in those opening races as well, including his mistake in the season opener when he went wide during a fight for first with Ilott. Ultimately, all of that will be forgotten if he seals the title at the end of the season.

The final two rounds will prove whether his second half of the season was a purple patch of form or a coming of age.

FROM THE GRID

“Above all, I feel a great anticipation and excitement," he said. "I think there is a good chance for us to win the championship which is why I am very confident and optimistic. Obviously, there is still a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but I totally trust in the quality of our package.

“We have to focus on our own performance and make sure that we deliver what we are able to. This is our only task rather than looking what the others do. If we perform well and remain as consistent as we have been recently, we will keep the top position.”