Mick Schumacher completed his first ever IndyCar test on Monday, turning laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
He was given time behind the wheel by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in an effort to judge the German driver’s interest in America’s top open wheel series.
That interest was well and truly revived following a full weekend of preparation and a day behind the wheel at one of the most historic tracks in the world.
“[IndyCar] being a single-seater,” said Schumacher, discussing what he liked about the test. “I think that’s what’s kind of attracting me to it. I love having open wheels.
“I think one of the things my dad always said was, ‘The Schumachers are usually faster if they can see their wheels.’ So I kind of do like that quote.
“It’s obviously a bit different to all the single-seaters that I’ve driven so far, as we have Aeroscreen. It was getting kind of hot at times, and air flow is a bit difficult, but those are all things you’re kind of getting used to and understanding about what those little change and differences are.
“Yeah, it’s been obviously good, good to get to know the car, get to know the team. I think we managed to get through all the run plan and the test items we wanted to do, so obviously very happy with that.
“I think it was a great preparation. I think it was really important for me to kind of get to see how a race weekend would run out, and I think it was kind of close to that.”
Possible future stateside
Schumacher has been competing in WEC recently, but has ample experience in open wheel cars including two seasons in F1.
He would not give an outright answer to the likelihood that he will choose to pursue a full IndyCar season next year, but he did relate that he would commit 100% if he were to do so.
He is not interested in splitting his time across multiple series, and would step away from WEC in order to give his full effort into this new challenge should he accept it.
As one of a few options on his mind for next year, Schumacher would likely want to complete an oval test before making a jump to IndyCar.
“I was interested in doing a test in Indy for a while now,” continued Schumacher. “I did see some of the guys that raced [in IndyCar] full time at some of the F1 events the past two years, and they always said how fun it was.
“I just wanted to see what the car felt like, and so far so good.
“Obviously if I were to commit to any championship, I would do it 100%. I think dual programs are not quite on my radar, as I feel like it would take quite a lot of energy and would be pretty distracting to do both.
“So if I were to commit, I would commit to 100% to either/or.”
Unofficially Schumacher was third fastest out of seven drivers on track on Monday, with his lap of 1:10.980 just two tenths off the best time of the day.
The test apparently lived up to his expectations, and he was pleased with how the entire weekend went.
“I think obviously at some point I want to be sure about my future, so I think it won’t be too long until I make a decision”
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