“I really like Mick a lot”
Formula 1 veteran raves about Schumacher
2/22/2022, 6:21 p.m
As the oldest Formula 1 driver, Fernando Alonso relies on the rule reform. The smaller teams could also win this season. He himself would like to be back on the podium – and he wishes Mick Schumacher the same. Just driving against him is “a privilege,” enthuses the Spaniard.
Came to “warm up”, stayed for victories: Fernando Alonso also wants to step on the gas in Formula 1 in 2023. After his comeback season after a good two-year break from Formula 1, he has new goals – and sees new opportunities, he says in an interview with RTL / ntv. 2022 offers a “real opportunity” due to the comprehensive rule reform and the budget cap, which obliges the ten teams to “spend the same money”, according to the 40-year-old Spaniard.
With the new rules, Formula 1 is pursuing the goal of reducing the distances between the teams. In addition, overtaking should be easier thanks to the simpler aerodynamics, so the race Sunday will offer more action. All smaller ones can benefit from this, in addition to Alonso’s Alpine racing team, as well as Haas, for whom Mick Schumacher drives.
The 22-year-old has had a difficult first year. In the defeated Haas, he almost always followed the field without a chance. He only had his teammate Nikita Mazepin under control on a regular basis. With the new VF-22, the attack of the US team should now take place. “Everything will be new this year, the Haas could be competitive,” says Alonso on RTL / ntv. “If that’s the case, Mick will definitely show more of what he’s capable of.”
“Great Future”
Alonso is sure that Mick Schumacher’s talent and skills will not fail. He predicts a “great future” for Schumacher. And, as he emphasizes, “not because the name Schumacher is on his helmet, but because he has shown in various classes that he has the talent, the natural talent.” Most recently, Schumacher won the Formula 2 title in 2020, after which he rose to the premier class.
Driving against a Schumacher again is “a privilege,” said the Spaniard. The respect for the Haas pilot is immense. “I’ve had the opportunity to race against Michael for many years and I really like Mick. He’s a very talented driver, I like him mostly as a person.”
Even if the sporting reality looks different at the moment: Many fans dream of Schumacher making the leap onto the F1 podium. Goosebumps would be guaranteed – even with the now oldest driver in the Formula 1 field. “That would be very special for the sport as a whole,” said Alonso. “To see a Schumacher on the podium again or even win a race, fight for the world championship. That would be a huge thing and a very nice story for Formula 1. I hope he can do it soon. It would only be good for the sport .