Mick Schumacher Q&A: Canadian Grand Prix

For Round 9 of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship we head to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. Have you been to Montreal before and what do you know about the scene there?

“I’ve been to Montreal maybe once or twice as a child, aged 11 or 12. I remember it was fun to go and visit because it was so different to all the other race tracks I’d been to before and you have the groundhogs running around which is quite fun. As a kid, I was fishing out the back of the Mercedes garage and I actually caught a few – I built the hook myself from the office stationery – and eventually we bought a little fishing rod. I also remember asking if I could go onto the grid, and the team said only if I made a cake. I baked a cake, did the frosting and once I gave it to them, I got the grid pass! I have good memories from Canada.”

 

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be another new track for you this season, tell us about what you know of its characteristics and what sections you’re most looking forward to racing on? 

“It has all the flares of a street track, just because of the walls, but it’s a permanent track. I think it’s quite unique in the fact that you’re surrounded by water for most of the time – the only place that comes close is Melbourne – so I think that is quite different. In terms of the track, I haven’t driven there yet but I’ve driven on the simulator so I’m just excited to go. A lot of crazy races have happened there in the past so I’m sure this year will be an interesting one too.”

As well as it being a new race for you, it will be the first time in three years Formula 1 returns to Canada. Following the ‘Drive to Survive’ effect in America, how exciting is it to return to places which have a shared passion for motorsport?

“It’s definitely great having fans back at the track in general. It’s obviously motivating in so many ways but also it’s so nice to see that people are passionate about the sport and are actually interested in Formula 1. I’ve been interested in it since I was three, so it’s great to have that shared passion.”

 

This is the last flyaway event before October. How does the season change when you get into the swing of things in Europe and your own routine becomes more consistent?

“For everybody, not just for us drivers, it’s a tough journey. We go from one continent to another within a few days, which is crazy that it is that way, but that’s how it is and everyone has to handle it. I’m sure once everyone gets back to Europe, it will be slightly less stressful to get cars ready, pack up to leave a track and try to make it to the next race. It’s just more of a rhythm when we get to Europe but it’s still a huge amount of stress - albeit less than going from Azerbaijan to Canada.”