Ralf Schumacher on Aus, Formula 1 offspring

Experts and Formula 1 fans have long been worried about Sebastian Vettel’s future. Now it is clear that Ferrari is over for the German after this season.

What happens to the Heppenheimer now? And what hopes from the German perspective are there for the premier class in the future?

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher speaks in SPORT1 about the reasons for Vettel’s departure from Ferrari and the consequences.

SPORT1: Mr. Schumacher, what do you say when you say goodbye to Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari?

Ralf Schumacher: It’s a bit of a shame especially for Sebastian, who had a completely different dream with Ferrari. If he feels comfortable with it, that’s okay. It was then foreseeable at the end of the season, especially from Monza, that the team had listened to Leclerc. I think there was a lot more quarreling behind the scenes than we can imagine. If a driver no longer feels comfortable or no longer feels the support, then he has to go. Sebastian was a bit unlucky that Leclerc had such a strong year.

Schumacher: Vettel certainly has alternatives

SPORT1: Do you think that Vettel will end his career or switch to another team?

Schumacher: Of course there is a possibility that it will stop. But I read that he said the Ferrari thing failed because it wasn’t long term. He sees himself at an age when he wants to think and drive for a long time. I am very sure that he has alternatives. He doesn’t have a manager, but he would be poorly advised to make a decision without having an alternative.

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Formula 1 in Germany “has a huge problem”

SPORT1: In the past ten years, up to seven German drivers have been active in Formula 1 at the same time. There could only be one next year – or none if Vettel ended his career. Why is that and has the young German possibly made mistakes?

Schumacher: There were always phases in Formula 1 in which some countries were very strong. The Germans had a huge hype, which my brother certainly triggered. There was huge interest in Germany, also in terms of marketing, TV and viewers. That turned a bit. We don’t feel that anymore. Even if you can’t tell from the number of drivers, the hype is very strong due to Lewis Hamilton in England. I could imagine that there is still a lot going on from England. In Germany, the entire motor sport struggle. I’ve been talking about the big problem for eight years. It starts in karting: we hardly have any tracks left, the kart drivers are getting fewer and fewer. If I don’t have seedlings, I don’t have any trees at the end of the day. Now that’s what happens to us.

SPORT1: Are you worried that the mass of German talent is still missing?

Schumacher: A few Germans are already on the right track. Everything is coming together at the moment. German industry has also lost strength in the meantime, and a lot has shifted. The manufacturers have reduced the marketing budget for the youngsters somewhat. Ferrari has to be commended, they still do a lot with their program. There is no such thing in Germany. Mercedes also decided to do this. Toto Wolff makes the team great, but has decided to dig away the drivers who are a bit further – regardless of nationality. That doesn’t help the youngsters.

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Mick Schumacher? “He has all the options”

SPORT1: The great German Formula 1 hope is now Mick Schumacher, who drives in Formula 2 and is very talented. Can he make it into Formula 1?

Schumacher: Mick has proven that he can drive a car. Otherwise he would not be Formula 3 champion. His first year in Formula 2 was quite passable, he had some good results and even a win. It’s all good, but it’s reassessed every year. He is now in his second year. He doesn’t necessarily have to win, but should be in the top 5 or ideally in the top 3. You shouldn’t put too much pressure on him either. So far, the signs are good. He is also a Ferrari junior, so he has every opportunity.

SPORT1: How much does Mick Schumacher’s success in Formula 1 depend on the choice of his team?

Schumacher: He is under contract with Prema, so the choice of the team is ultimately a minor problem. He is already in the best team, it won’t fail because of that.

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