Schumacher: 'Rookies can benefit from new Pirelli tyres in 2021'

At first glance, 2021 is not an ideal season for rookies to step into Formula 1. Most of the regulations have remained unchanged, giving experienced drivers an advantage. Could the fact that the cars have less downforce perhaps help the new drivers?

"I don't think it gives as much advantage as a completely new type of tyres," Mick Schumacher said in conversation with Sky Germany. "You could see that extremely well in Formula 2. When the new tyres were there, the rookies were immediately fast, while the drivers who had been driving in the class for years struggled to understand the tyres."

Formula 2 raced with 18-inch rims last season and therefore also with new tyres. Formula 1 will not make the switch until next year, but Pirelli plans to introduce a new rubber compound already for 2021.

They continue with this plan despite great criticism from the drivers after the various tests during free practice last season. According to Schumacher, it is therefore important to get used to the car as soon as possible and perhaps he can then, like the debutants in Formula 2, do well this season.