F1 chief heaps praise on Mick Schumacher as Mercedes reserve tests with rivals
Mick Schumacher was hailed by Zak Brown after the German racer's debut test with McLaren.
The 24-year-old is a reserve driver for Mercedes this season after losing his place on the Formula 1 grid with Haas. As part of his role, he is also a backup option for McLaren if they were to ever need someone to fill in on short notice.
To prepare for that possibility, Schumacher was given a test of one of their old cars earlier this month. He clocked up the laps in the MCL35M which won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix at the Portimao track in Portugal.
McLaren IndyCar star Alex Palou has tested in the recent past, but is currently locked in a title battle across the pond. In any case, the test was a good opportunity for Schumacher to get to know the engineers he might have to work with if needed on an F1 race weekend this year.
Regarding that appearance, McLaren chief executive Brown told German television: "He has done an excellent job, so we are really happy with Mick. Even as a reserve driver, whom we share with the other team, and he has really done a great job."
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Schumacher has two years of full-time experience in F1 under his belt. However, the first was when Haas had an entirely uncompetitive car incapable of scoring points and, in the second, the German's confidence took a hit after several hefty and expensive crashes.
He is now in the process of building himself back up and searching for his next opportunity to race in the sport. And with that in mind, he is already chomping at the bit for another chance to get out on track for a test and show off his skills.
"My first test with McLaren was great, we did so many laps out there," said Schumacher after his Portimao drive. "It's been really good to get that experience with the team. It is a great team and a great bunch of people.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown was thrilled with Schumacher's work on track (PA)"We went through the whole schedule beforehand when I was at the factory. We were trying to focus on the things that I think are important for me, in terms of my development, and for the team to get to know me.
"We ran through some different projects, it was mainly about driving style and getting to understand the tyre. The tyre we used is an academy tyre, so it is a little different, but it is a great one to learn on and improve my skills, and that is what we were really focused on.
"It was good to get a feeling for driving a race-winning car, as this car won in Monza. It was great gaining the knowledge of how to drive this car and how to get around in it quickly.
"I did the Pirelli test with Mercedes in Barcelona, so it isn't like I was coming into this test super, super fresh. It's good for me to get as much driving in as possible, and that's why this day is an amazing opportunity for me. I wouldn't say no to another test with McLaren."
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