Todt: Leave Mick Schumacher in peace
- Published on 05 Mar 2019 12:16
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- By: Fergal Walsh
FIA president Jean Todt has urged people to leave Mick Schumacher in peace as he continues his racing career.
This year, the German will compete in the FIA Formula 2 championship with Prema, following on from his title success in the European Formula 3 championship last year.
Schumacher signed onto the Ferrari Driver Academy during the winter break, and could test for Alfa Romeo during the upcoming season.
Todt, who won five F1 world championships with Mick's father Michael, described Mick as “a simple, honest, loyal, good boy”, but has encouraged people to not to apply unnecessary pressure on him.
“He’s not yet spoiled by this world, and you get easily spoiled,” Todt said. “I am very happy for Mick Schumacher,” said Todt. “I’ve known him since a baby, I love him, he’s a great character. And we must leave him in peace.
“He’s demonstrating to be a very talented driver. On top of that he’s a very nice boy, very humble, very well-educated. So I will follow him very closely as I’ve always been doing.”
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Replies (5)
Login to replyKean
Posts: 692
Good for Mick, to have Jean looking out for him. On another note, I think it’s going to be a battle between Mick and De Vries this season.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Leave Mick alone? I wouldn't expect people to leave him alone even if he was not a Schumacher. Talented drivers (especially really talented ones) get to have media attention pretty early. No Jean Todt. Mick will have to deal with this his whole life if he continues his career in racing. It's not a curse, but rather an opportunity to shine, increase his celebrity, attract sponsors, build his brand, and grow. Fast drivers with famous last names don't get to have less attention than fast drivers with a pedestrian last name.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Oh it can be a curse alright. Just look at any of the drivers that was hyped up only to fall below expectations. Hell, look what happened with Stoffel.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I agree. But being a Schumacher doesn't mean he should be less hyped. Quite the opposite. Not because it's the right thing to do, or because it helps anyone. But simply because as much as that last name helped him get to where he is, it carries high expectations.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But isn't it better for both him and us to save the hype for later, as in if he does turn out good? He ain't exactly unique in that his name has helped him to get to where he is now (hello Sainz, Verstappen, Stroll, Susie Wolff, the Andrettis, Fittipaldi, Villeneuve, and so on). I legit think hype would be a disservice to both us and Mick.