Mick Schumacher out to fight for Formula 1 podiums with pace in the new Haas

Mick Schumacher does not just hope to score points this season – having seen the pace of his car in action, he hopes to make the top three at some point in 2022.

His Haas team-mate Kevin Magnussen enjoyed a sterling weekend on his return to Formula 1, qualifying seventh and taking advantage of Red Bull’s double retirement to finish P5 in a moment that saw the team score more points in one race than in the previous two seasons combined.

They sacrificed the development of their 2021 car entirely to focus on the VF-22 and their patience appears to have paid off – with the team looking in strong form all weekend.

Schumacher was not able to get himself into Q3 on Saturday and then being spun around by Esteban Ocon’s Alpine on the first lap of the race hindered his chances, but he was left full of optimism for the season ahead.

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Now they are able to keep up with those in front, the young German hopes to take advantage of one of Formula 1’s “crazy” races at some point this year to possibly even mount a podium charge.

“With all the circumstances we had with the spin in Turn 6 after contact – I don’t know how much damage that would have brought to the car – it didn’t feel amazing to drive afterwards. I think that was also represented in the pace we had,” Schumacher said after the race.

“Seeing Kevin in P5 means we have the car to do this, and that I can do the same. That also means we are close to podiums if there’s a crazy weekend, which there usually is in Formula 1, so we should be able to do that.”

There was jubilation in the Haas garage after they earned their first points since the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix on Sunday, and there were widespread congratulations for the team after over 18 months without a points finish in Formula 1.

Team principal Guenther Steiner led the celebrations at Haas and said Magnussen’s performance in particular was a reward for the team’s hard work and perseverance through a tough time for them.

 

“A very good day for us, it’s good to be back for the whole team,” said Steiner. “They have done a fantastic job, not just today but for the last two years.

“Everyone kept their head high and just got ready for the moment we would have a good car. When that moment came, everyone did their part and I’m very proud of them, and they can be proud of themselves.”

 

 

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