"Productive Day" for Mick in the W14

Our Reserve Driver enjoys first experience driving our 2023 challenger

Mick Schumacher got his first taste of the W14 as he logged 152 laps on the second day of the Pirelli Tyre Test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The 24-year-old settled in well, providing valuable feedback to the tyre manufacturer whilst familiarising himself with our car.

"It was great! I learned a lot and it was a lot of fun," Mick enthused. "It was a very productive day; we got through everything we wanted to and ran every test tyre on the plan. It was also good to have that first experience of the tyres without any blankets. Obviously having not driven in a while, I felt it physically, but it was good to be back in the driving seat."

This experience will definitely benefit me in my role.

Mick Schumacher

The focus of the day was the tyre work with Pirelli. Nevertheless, the test provided a valuable opportunity for Mick to experience the W14 on track, something that will help him as our Reserve Driver. "This experience will definitely benefit me in my role. I have a better understanding of what to look out for and what to work on. I also have a better understanding of all the procedures and how the Team works trackside. That would be a key factor in case I ever have to jump in and race," he said.

Mick's experience of the W14 has, until today, been limited to the Team's simulator at Brackley. How did that compare to the real thing? Mick answered: "There is obviously a difference between the simulator and driving in the real world. There will always be a difference as the technology is not at a point where you can compare it 100%. However, it is the closest experience I've had between a simulator and real life. The simulator has prepared me, and the Team has made a great effort of correlating it. That helped me to know what to expect when driving it. It's clear why this Team is an eight-time World Champion."

As Reserve Driver, Mick has played an important role in helping develop the latest upgrade package the Team has brought to the track. He was also praised by race drivers Lewis and George for his efforts in helping refine the car over the Barcelona weekend; something that played no small part in the Team's double podium.

"It was great to drive the new update package. Of course I hadn't driven the launch package so I couldn't make that direct comparison," he said. "From all the communications I've heard from the drivers though, I could feel and agreed with a lot of their comments when driving today. It was very straightforward."

Following his experience on track in Barcelona, Mick is as eager as ever for the season ahead: "I'm very excited for the rest of the year. I've had a great time today and hopefully I'll be back in a car at some point. I loved every bit of it! I want to say a big thank you to everybody for this opportunity.