PREMA won the Feature Race at their home event as Mick Schumacher claimed his first win of the year for PREMA in Monza.
The German got a great start and went from sixth to second, and it wasn’t long after that he got himself into the lead. Schumacher was the first to pit, losing his lead as the strategies spilt the pack. However, after everyone had pitted, the 21-year-old reclaimed the lead.
The win was not only Schumacher’s first in a Feature Race but also proves vital in the championship battle.
Mick Schumacher said: “I am overjoyed with today’s victory – what a fantastic feeling! The basis for this was my start from P7 to P2 before the first corner. This brought us in a great position, which paid off after the pit stop. Being in the lead, we were able to manage the tyres well and keep the distance to the cars behind constant. Thanks to the team, who have put together a mega package for me again today. Now we will give it our best to collect some more points tomorrow.””
After a tough qualifying session, Robert Shwartzman started 16th and struggled in the early stages to fight back. The Russian dived in for an early pitstop helping him gain a few positions. However, Shwartzman just missed out on reverse grid pole for the Sprint Race, finishing in ninth.
Robert Shwartzman said: “It was not a great result and for sure not what we wanted. Yesterday’s qualifying completely ruined our chances for a good result today. I tried to make a good start. The launch itself was not bad, but then I was squeezed and blocked in turn 1 losing more places. I tried to overtake as many cars as possible, and the pace seemed good. We finished ninth, taking two points, every point counts now. Unfortunately, everything was influenced by qualifying, and without being blocked at the start, I would probably have managed to be further up, but it is what it is.”
Schumacher will start tomorrow’s race from eighth with teammate and title rival Shwartzman just behind in ninth. Both PREMAs will want to get themselves up the field and onto the podium once again this season.
Picture Credit: (C) Formula Motorsport Limited
