Q2 spot would be "like a win" for Schumacher in rookie season

New Haas driver Mick Schumacher has set the goal of reaching the second phase of qualifying in his rookie year, claiming it would be "like a win" for him and the team.

Haas made just six appearances in the second phase of qualifying in 2020, below Alfa Romeo with eight and the 10 of Williams, primarily via George Russell's nine.

Joining Haas as the reigning F2 champion and, of course, bearing the name of his seven-time F1 champion father Michael, much is expected of the 21-year-old.

Schumacher, though, is comfortable with the targets he has set.

“I would say next year is going to be about managing our expectations and really being open-minded on every aspect of what could be happening next year," said Schumacher.

“For me, Q2 is our goal. It is hard to reach but if we reach it then that is like a win for us.

"So I will take that to not only motivate ourselves but also show to the outside world that we always keep fighting and we always will give our best.”

After Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher's haul of seven titles this year and surpassed the legendary German's benchmark of 91 grand prix victories, Mick has vowed to "break that [record] again".

On his more modest goals, Schumacher added: “It’s mainly just understanding them and also setting them accordingly to what you think is possible.

“So if you achieve your goal you can be happy. If you achieve more than your goal, you will be over the moon. If you achieve under your expectations then you know you have to work harder."

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