Mick Schumacher struggles with missed points due to safety car phase: "Had more pace"

Created: 09/12/2022 05:23

By: Christoph Klaucke

Mick Schumacher's chance of scoring points was denied by the safety car at the Italian Grand Prix.

All voices and reactions to the Monza race.

Monza – Max Verstappen won the last European Formula 1 race in Monza.

But especially the end at the Italian Grand Prix caused excitement.

After Daniel Ricciardo had to park his McLaren at the side of the track, the safety car came into play in the final phase of the race.

Because of safety concerns, apparently there was still a tractor on the track, the Grand Prix ended behind the safety car.

The Tifosi were beside themselves, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc Verstappen could no longer attack.

Mick Schumacher also had no chance to score points, the Haas driver finished twelfth after P17 at the start.

Sebastian Vettel had to park his Aston Martin early on due to engine failure.

Mick Schumacher (Haas) after the race over...

...the performance:

"Better than expected, we had more pace than we thought.

We knew we were better in the race, but being able to keep up and ride with the mediums for so long was great for our strategy.

Then we switched and went on the soft tire and we had so much more pace in the car than the others.

The crew did a great job.

Then it was very nice.

However, in the end we were still very slow on the straights compared to the Williams.

...the lack of a restart and the chance to score points:

"Possibly.

We'll never find out.

If it is the decision to keep everyone safe, then of course we accept that.”

Mick Schumacher failed to score points in the Formula 1 race in Monza.

© Andy Hone/Imago

Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) after his retirement over...

...the race:

“It was quite difficult.

We knew it was going to be a long race, but unfortunately only a short one for me.

Too bad I can't intervene further.

It announced itself a lap earlier and then it was over.

The track just wasn't our thing.”

...the next Grand Prix in Singapore:

"I'm happy, the track suits me.

It can't get any worse than here."

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) after the race over...

...the race:

“It was a great race.

We were the fastest on every tire compound and the wear was good too.

Great car.

Then the safety car came at the end, but unfortunately there was no restart.

Overall it was a very good day.”

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...the race to catch up in the first laps:

“The start was very good, I had a clean run through the chicane.

Then I was able to get into my rhythm and go to two.

The tires went well.

It was fun even though it was relatively hot.

A great day for us.”

...his first podium in Monza:

“It took a little time to get on such a great podium.

Now it is finally the case.”

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) after the race over...

...the safety car phase at the end:

“The end was frustrating.

We would have liked to go racing.

I would have liked to win before the Tifosi.”

Helmut Marko (head of motorsport) after the race over...

...the Verstappen race:

"He managed it relatively easily again.

It was a pity that the race ended under the safety car.

We had the upper hand, but it was amazing how quickly he took the lead.

Everything is going well and now we need one more win, then he will equal the record.

Maybe we can get 14 wins.”

...the decision to end the race under the safety car:

“That was definitely not the right decision.

The safety car picked the wrong driver and you have to stop lapping those who are being waved through.

It doesn't matter at all and it would have been a great finish.

Maybe tighter for us and a disadvantage, but we have to put the sport in the foreground.”

...the safety risk

: "If a tractor is on the track, then it won't work.

But then they have to work faster, there was enough time.

The lap time is long here.

It wasn't a worthy end to this race.”

...Perez's race:

"In the first lap he got a flat tire and some part.

So we had to change early due to strong vibrations.

We might have gotten away with the hard tyre.

But when we saw that we had a chance of getting Hamilton on the soft tyre, we took a risk.

The safety car was counterproductive for him too.

The performance was good.

Fastest lap and how he fought his way up from last."

...the upcoming race in Singapore:

“So far, every track suits us.

But it is not likely that Leclerc will not end up further ahead.

We want to win the World Cup, Singapore would be a good place to celebrate.”

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Mattia Binotto (Ferrari Team Principal) after the race over...

...the end of the race behind the safety car:

“It's pretty disappointing.

I think there would have been enough time to reopen the race.

Formula 1 didn't deserve to end a race like this."

...Mick Schumacher:

"It was an unlucky weekend for him.

He didn't have much track time so it's difficult to judge his performance here.

We have a few more races, then sit down and make the best decision for his future.”