Oct.14 (GMM) Mick Schumacher has made a powerful debut in Indycar testing at Indianapolis – in what many see as a symbolic farewell to his Method 1 ambitions.
The 26-year-old German, dropped by Haas after 2022 and unable to safe a comeback regardless of time as Mercedes’ reserve, examined a Dallara-Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing on Monday. Schumacher instantly topped the morning session with a laptime near race tempo from the Indycar spherical held on the identical highway circuit in Could.
“I’ve been desirous about testing an Indycar for some time,” Schumacher stated. “Lately, I’ve met a number of the Indycar drivers at Method 1 occasions, they usually all stated how a lot enjoyable it’s. To this point, I’m actually having fun with it, and the folks listed here are nice.”
In contrast to F1, Indycars don’t have any energy steering – a problem Schumacher welcomed. “Some have stated the steering may be very heavy, however actually, it feels just like Method 2. Bodily demanding, however that’s precisely what you need,” he stated.
Schumacher admitted, nonetheless, that the transfer displays not solely ardour, but in addition the fact of his scenario. “Indycar comes the closest to what I can nonetheless race,” he stated.
“Clearly, my goal the previous couple of years has been to return to Method 1, however that possibility hasn’t opened up. So sooner or later I need to race once more in single-seaters, and subsequently this selection is an effective one.”
He confirmed that no full-time deal has been determined, however that the check will assist him “work out the place I need to be in 2026.”
Rahal Letterman, which at the moment fields Graham Rahal and Louis Foster, is believed to be open to discussions. Schumacher stated: “It’s a choice that lies with either side.
“All of us have a few days and weeks to consider it and see what alternatives there are for the long run. However thus far, so good.”
Regardless of warnings from a number of European figures – together with his personal uncle Ralf Schumacher – concerning the risks of oval racing, Mick stated he wouldn’t rule it out. “For certain, I’m to attempt it and see what it’s all about,” he stated.
“If I have been to decide to Indycar, I’d wish to decide to it absolutely.”
Smiling as he mirrored on driving on the identical venue the place his father Michael received 5 instances with Ferrari, Schumacher added merely: “I’m blissful to be right here and blissful to drive the automotive. It’s enjoyable.
“I need to take pleasure in racing and discover the place I really feel most at house.”
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