'Really sucks': Mick Schumacher in scary crash in F2 qualifying
Soon to be Formula One driver Mick Schumacher has been involved in a scary shunt in qualifying for the Formula Two feature race at the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Schumacher, the son of F1 legend Michael, announced he would be joining the Haas team for the 2021 season last week, following in his seven-time world champion father’s footsteps.
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His first on-track outing since affirming his future at the top-flight of motorsport came to a scary conclusion though, as he clashed with rival Roy Nissany as he approached the final corner of the Bahrain circuit on a flying lap.
The Bahrain track’s ‘outer circuit’ is being used as F1 and F2 complete the second race of a double header at the venue, and the shorter configuration wreaked havoc as multiple drivers got in each other’s way.
It was no different for Schumacher, with Nissany moving slightly as both drivers entered the braking zone for the final corner.
Schumacher clipped the right-hand side of Nissany, resulting in the Israeli driver losing control and catapulting over the rear wing of the German’s Prema car.
“Why is this guy crashing into me?” an irritated Schumacher could be heard complaining on the radio after the impact.
Schumacher did come across, but Nissany looked as if he was letting him go judging by the speed differential. This really sucks for Mick. https://t.co/h6QNxus1kz
— Danny (@DannyBrennan72) December 4, 2020
Oof, Schumacher crashes with Nissay in F2 qualifying, meaning he will start P18 tomorrow. Huge for the title race! 🍿 #F1 #SakhirGP
— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) December 4, 2020
Yes Schumacher’s swipe was stupid but what was Nissany doing afterwards 💀 https://t.co/YMH24aCGON
— Stylo. (@StyloDZN) December 4, 2020
Both of them are at fault, Schumacher first for squeezing Nissany and then Nissany imo deliberate contact https://t.co/iqzLiaFi3Q
— SMM_Rotary (@Ethan_Graham28) December 4, 2020
The qualifying prang could have ramifications on the result of the F2 championship, which Schumacher leads by 14 points over second-placed Callum Ilott heading into the final two races.
Starting from 18th on the grid however, will do little to help his chances of protecting his championship lead.
Schumacher confirms move to F1 with Haas
The 21-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher will be on the grid for the 2021 season-opening race in Melbourne on March 21 after signing a multi-year agreement with American team Haas.
It will mark the return of the Schumacher name to the sport, nine years after the German retired for a second time, and 30 years since Michael burst on to the scene with an impressive debut for Jordan at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix.
Schumacher went on to win 91 times for Benetton and Ferrari, clinching five titles for the Scuderia at the turn of the century.
His number of wins have only recently been surpassed by Lewis Hamilton, while the Mercedes driver emulated the German's championship record at the Turkish Grand Prix last month.
Schumacher, 51, has not been seen in public view for almost seven years after a skiing accident in the French Alps left him with devastating brain injuries.
Mick was alongside his father at the time of the tragic accident.
"It is amazing to be racing in the same sport as he did," said Schumacher Jnr on Wednesday.
"It is a sport we both love so much, so to be able to go a similar path and get to know the sport inside out is amazing.
"To finally reach my goal and to be one of those 20 drivers is something incredible. I am just really overwhelmed, happy it is confirmed, and that I am going to be standing on the grid next year.
"It is a dream come true for me, a dream I've been chasing since I was three, and now it's finally happened it's great."
With AAP
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