Mick Schumacher believes it is “very important” that he steps up to Formula 1 with the Formula 2 title under his belt, following his championship triumph on Sunday.
Schumacher’s graduation to Formula 1 with Haas was confirmed last week but the Ferrari-backed youngster was still under pressure from Callum Ilott in the Formula 2 standings.
Despite having his future seat in F1 settled, Schumacher states it was key to ensure he had the title in his back pocket ahead of his switch to the pinnacle motorsport series next year to keep his momentum going.
“I think very important. If you bring a championship title into F1, that’s always great,” Schumacher said.
“I have won in F3, I have won in F2. To be able to win those championships with great competition… I mean Dan [Ticktum] was in F3 when we fought, and now this year with Callum, who I know very well from the FDA.
“It’s been great, a great challenge. The better the competition, the more you develop as a driver. That’s everything I will carry through to F1.”
Schumacher credited Prema, who he has raced with every year since 2016, for developing his talent and allowing him to progress through the racing ladder.
“Prema is great in developing drivers, really,” Schumacher stated. “They’re amazing in building a racing driver that once they leave Prema, hopefully are a complete racing driver.
“Over the last five years, I feel like they’ve really managed that with me. Obviously the results speak for it, but also that I’m driving in F1 next year.
“The big teams see that, and to be able to do it with them is great. We won the F3 championship together, we won the F2 championship together.
“I think none of the junior drivers up to now has been in a junior team as long as I have. I think that proves Prema is one of the best teams out there.”
