Jean Todt claims ‘too nice’ Mick Schumacher better than ‘half of the F1 grid’

Jean Todt claimed that Mick Schumacher was certainly a better driver than the majority of the current Formula 1 grid.

Jean Todt claims ‘too nice’ Mick Schumacher better than ‘half of the F1 grid’

Jean Todt and Mick Schumacher (images via IMAGO)

Mick Schumacher made his F1 debut in 2021 with the Haas F1 team. The German driver had two disappointing seasons at the American team before ousted at the end of 2022. Nevertheless, former FIA President and Ferrari team boss Jean Todt reckoned that Schumacher was immensely talented.

Todt claimed that it was unclear whether Mick Schumacher was one of the best drivers currently. However, the Frenchman insisted that the 25-year-old was better than half of the Formula 1 grid. A rather bold statement made by Jean Todt as Schumacher has faced criticism from many in the paddock over his stint in F1. 

I don't know if Mick is one of the best pilots out there, but he's better than half the F1 grid.
Jean Todt told Bild
YouTube video

Additionally, the Frenchman believed that perhaps Mick Schumacher was too nice of a person for Formula 1. Todt claimed that drivers must need to get their elbows out at the pinnacle of motorsport, something that Schumacher might’ve failed to do. Currently, the 25-year-old competes in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

FS Video
Maybe Mick is too nice. In F1 you need to get your elbows out.
Jean Todt stated

Jean Todt claims Mick Schumacher’s surname a ‘disadvantage’

Many believed that Mick Schumacher would have an easy path to F1 considering his father is Michael Schumacher. However, Jean Todt claimed that this has become more of a disadvantage for the German driver as it put unreasonable expectations on the 25-year-old during his time at Haas. As the American team had poor machinery.

Many think that is an advantage, but it has become a disadvantage. Expectations in their careers were unreasonable and the car was not competitive.
Jean Todt explained
Toto Wolff and Mick Schumacher in Mercedes garage
Toto Wolff and Mick Schumacher in Mercedes garage (via IMAGO)

Todt went as far as stating that Mick Schumacher was put under ‘unfair’ pressure because of his family. The Frenchman claimed that such pressure has a massive impact on driver performance and this would’ve been the case with the 25-year-old at Haas.

The pressure to which he was subjected was unfair. And I know, because I have also been team leader, that the performance of a pilot suffers instantly if he is not comfortable.
Jean Todt asserted

Certainly, Jean Todt continues to support Mick Schumacher. The German driver still hopes to make a comeback to F1 in the future, perhaps even next season. Although, it is unlikely that the 25-year-old gets a seat on the grid. Fans would be hoping that Schumacher does get a chance to prove himself at the pinnacle of motorsport once again.

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