Two Different Worlds on the Same Basis
Reigning Formula 3 champion Mick Schumacher, who is competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship this year, and SSI SCHAEFER are entering into a partnership that will benefit from a common mindset.
Mick Schumacher’s stringent pursuit of improvement has impressed for years. The 20-year-old son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher has long since established his own identity and, as a member of the exclusive FIA Formula 2 Championship club, is one of the best junior drivers in the world today.
The goal of the partnership is clear: Driving for excellence! Michael Mohr, EVP Sales SSI SCHAEFER: “Mick brings a great passion that impresses us. Giving everything, gaining experience, and accepting challenges that work towards a solution with intent and hyper focus is what connects our company with him. True to our corporate tagline, Think Tomorrow., we at SSI SCHAEFER look ahead to achieve the ambitious goals for our customers.”
“Think Tomorrow. applies to me, as well!”
In an interview, Mick Schumacher delves into the partnership and the parallels to the intralogistics world of SSI SCHAEFER as well as his goals and motivation.
What does Think Tomorrow. mean to you?
The claim Think Tomorrow. is what motor sports are all about: think ahead, never rest on your laurels, develop strategies to succeed, have clear goals in mind. The phrase “standstill is regression” is common in our sport; it’s a philosophy I’ve consciously internalized.
What connects you with SSI SCHAEFER and what does the partnership look like?
Although we come from different worlds, the principles and philosophies are the same. It is about innovative solutions and long-term thinking and acting, but it is also about the knowledge that success is only possible through teamwork and, where success is concerned, you cannot let up if you don’t want to put the future collaboration at risk. After recently celebrating some initial success in Formula 2, we are by no means resting on our laurels. The entire team continues to work in a focused manner, identifying potential for improvement and putting it into action. This is the only way to survive in the long term and to continue developing. The same applies to SSI SCHAEFER, who strive for long-term relationships with their customers that extend beyond the completion of a project. You learn and form the basis for future success with every project, just like with every race. As I said, two different worlds, yet still with the same principles and philosophies. That’s why I’m so excited about this partnership.
With your start in Formula 2, you’ve come one step closer to achieving your declared dream: Formula 1. What motivates you every single day?
I’m asked this a lot. Frankly, it isn’t a question for me because I love what I do. I find it exciting to develop myself and to learn as much as possible; not to mention, to work with many different people from different cultures. Working with the team and on myself is rewarding, and the competition itself challenges me. Accepting a challenge is fun.
#FindYourOnePercent. What is the factor that defines the difference to your success?
Finding that last bit that matters is probably the biggest challenge, and I’m convinced there is not just one factor here. It goes without saying in my view that I’m never satisfied, I never rest on my success, even if I’m supposedly ahead. You also have to try to create the conditions for success on all levels, to virtually lay the ground, keeping an eye on all areas. Only the combination of all elements is success in my opinion – when everything fits and everything comes together. Luck is also a factor; but luck only happens for those who are capable.
And when you are away from the racing team and training, what do you do in your free time?
I’m an athlete through and through. Of course, this is also a big piece of training for my sport, but it’s also fun. I like cycling, on- or off-road, and in summer I like everything on the water. Because I travel so much, I also enjoy spending time with my dog. And, of course, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family!
