Formula 1 newcomer Mick Schumacher believes that aiming for the podium is not out of the question in 2021.
The reigning Formula 2 champion will make his F1 debut for Haas F1 Team next month in Bahrain alongside fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin in an all-new line-up after the departure of Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.
Grosjean provided the team's best result in 2020 with ninth place in the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Haas' only other points finish last season was at Hungary. Even so, Schumacher is already aiming for higher things.
"We have to be clear about what the car's potential is," he told Auto Motor Und Sport in an exclusive interview. "We have to be honest with ourselves and do our job.
"The best thing would of course be to collect points," he acknowledged. "And if there should be some crazy races like last year, maybe a podium will come out.
"Even if it is a bridging year for us, if the option arises and the spark of luck plays along, we will give everything to then use the luck and bring the results home.
"Sure that's a dream, but we're allowed to dream. But first and foremost we have to be realistic," he added. "I'll have to wait for the first couple of races to give an informed answer.
"I want to get used to the team very quickly so that I feel very comfortable and they get along with me," he continued. "If we can do that, the results will come.
"Of course, I promise myself a lot from myself," he admitted. "There is always pressure. I make it myself. I have expectations of myself.
©Haas
"I want to see a difference between the beginning and the end of the year, that I've developed, improved and worked with the team as well as I can. I want to build a relationship and achieve that we can move forward together."
Schumacher was confident that it had been the right choice for him to start his F1 career at Haas rather than Alfa Romeo or Ferrari which had also been mentioned as possibilities.
"The decision was of course made together," he said. "But in the end I personally have very little experience in F1,and Ferrari is extremely knowledgeable. They know the business, they know exactly what is best for me.
"[Haas] is not the biggest team, but in return they have a very direct line to their drivers. We are in contact very often, which is of course nice.
"It is also good to know or discuss what the team’s goals are. They work very well with their drivers. I also believe that a breath of fresh air will be very good for the team. Hopefully it motivates and lets us go well together.
"I felt at home straight away. Sometimes that takes longer. At Haas, the time had come after the first day, after the first meeting. I am happy to have stayed there. It is a good station to develop myself further."
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