Haas driver Mick Schumacher has revealed that seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton has always taken the time to chat with the German, and that he is happy to advise as the young racer develops.
Schumacher entered Formula 1 as a rookie with the Haas team alongside fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin in 2021 after winning the 2020 Formula 2 championship.
He out-qualified team-mate Mazepin on 20 occasions in 22 races, managing a best finish of 13th at the Hungarian Grand Prix in what was a horribly underperforming car.
Hamilton replaced Mick’s father – and seven-time champion in his own right – Michael for the 2013 season at Mercedes.
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The 53-year-old had returned to F1 in 2010 after retiring in 2006 following 91 race wins, and managed a podium finish at the European Grand Prix in what would eventually be his 19th and final grand prix season in 2012.
Hamilton has since taken 82 victories with the Brackley-based team, claiming 82 of his 103 victories during his time with the serial constructors’ champions.
Schumacher was asked if the Briton ever had any words of advice when the pair saw one another during races weekends.
“Yeah, definitely. He’s always been very open to giving advice to help me in the position I was in,” was his reply.
“Also, already back in the day, when my dad wasn’t with Mercedes anymore, I did get the chance to come to a few races and see him there.”
The 22-year-old recalls that the majority of his conversations with the Mercedes driver have been “friendly” ones rather than strictly professional.
“It’s been definitely nice knowing that when he had time he was able to talk to me about certain things. Those conversations are obviously private. Some of it is related to racing but most of it is just on a friendly basis,” he explained.
Michael Schumacher claimed five of his seven world titles with Ferrari after two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995.
The German claimed 71 wins with the Scuderia, and Mick would love to follow in his father’s footsteps by one day racing for the Maranello-based outfit.
“I think in general it’s a dream for everybody to race for Ferrari. I think anybody would like to race there,” he affirmed.
However, he maintains that he has a job to do with Haas and cannot overlook that as the team seek to find improvements on what was their worst season yet in 2021 since their arrival into the sport in 2016.
“But obviously my thoughts are very much on the here and now and trying to do my best job in the position that I am in with Haas,” he explained.
“For sure hopefully with a better car we’ll be able to take the maximum out of it.”
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2022 will see major regulation changes as aerodynamic alterations see reduced downforce and the return of ground effect in an attempt to improve the racing spectacle.
On top of this, an engine freeze means that manufacturers cannot develop their power units once the season gets underway, and Haas’ supplier Ferrari are said to have overcome the power deficit that comes with the new engines this season.
Schumacher and Mazepin will remain at the Haas team for the 2022 season, both still seeking their first points.
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