Mick Schumacher says he didn't expect to be named by his peers as one of Formula 1's top-ten drivers in 2021 and insists the plaudit gives him "a boost" for 2022.
While 2021 world champion Max Verstappen headed the ranking compiled by F1's class of 2021 as 'Driver of the Year', Schumacher bookended the top-ten list.
The Haas driver spent the bulk of his rookie year at the bottom of the field, usually fighting teammate Nikita Mazepin whom he comprehensively beat, but there were also a few promising mid-field tussles in which Schumacher was able to display his skills and impress.
"It was definitely nice and I was very happy about it," he told Sky Germany, reflecting on his position in the ranking.
"To be honest, I did not expect it. It gives me a boost for this year too, to show it hopefully with a faster car."
Haas has yet to announce the presentation date for its all-new 2022 contender, but team boss Guenther Steiner hopes the US outfit will resume its forward march after two very difficult seasons.
"My wish is that we can be in the midfield," said Steiner. "That our guys can fight and we see how good our guys are now. How good they are compared to the others, we don’t know.
"My wish is that as a team we pick up where we left off in 2019. That it goes forward again.
"When there are opportunities, there are always chances. But there is also a risk that you develop in the wrong direction."
As for Schumacher, the 22-year-old says his results in his sophomore year in F1 will likely depend on the level of performance of Haas' new contender.
"My goal this year is to be as far ahead as possible with Haas," said the young German.
"What happens in the future, we will see. Obviously it also depends on what happens this year with Haas. If I do well, hopefully it will go in the right direction next year."
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