Ex-Schumacher Rival Recommends IndyCar Move for Mick, Counters Ralf's Concerns

Gerhard Berger, a former rival of Michael Schumacher, believes an IndyCar move is the right path for Mick Schumacher and explicitly counters Ralf Schumacher's reservations. Mick Schumacher faces a crucial career decision and is now receiving strong backing from Gerhard Berger. The former Ferrari and McLaren driver sees the US racing series, IndyCar, as an ideal step for the German. "I find that IndyCar is no longer as dangerous as it was in my day. There have been some improvements," Berger stated on RTL. Berger, who celebrated ten Formula 1 victories between 1984 and 1997, enthused: "It's a good solution for Mick." ### Why it matters: Mick Schumacher is at a critical juncture in his career, seeking a path to rebuild his standing in top-tier motorsport after his F1 stint. A move to IndyCar, a prominent and challenging series, could offer him the chance to prove his racecraft and potentially open doors back to Formula 1 or establish him as a star in North America. This debate highlights the differing perspectives within the racing community on the best progression for young drivers. ### The Details: * Berger's Endorsement: Gerhard Berger, a ten-time F1 race winner, strongly advocates for Mick Schumacher's move to IndyCar, citing significant safety improvements in the series compared to his era. * Ralf Schumacher's Skepticism: Mick's uncle, Ralf Schumacher, remains skeptical, previously warning against IndyCar due to perceived dangers and suggesting Mick is "superbly placed" in WEC with Alpine. * Alpine Door Closing: The opportunity at Alpine in WEC appears to be diminishing, with teammate António Félix da Costa already re-signed. * Impressive IndyCar Test: In mid-October, Mick Schumacher completed an IndyCar test, immediately impressing by setting the third-fastest time among seven drivers on the Indianapolis road course with a lap of 1:10.980 minutes. * Mick's Perspective: Schumacher himself noted, "It was nice to see open wheels again," downplaying safety concerns. * Prestige Factor: Berger emphasized IndyCar's prestige, stating, "Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, no question. After that, you have to place the IndyCar series second." He recalled IndyCar's historical prominence in the US before F1 gained widespread popularity there. ### What's next: Mick Schumacher's decision on his next career move will be closely watched. If he opts for IndyCar, his performance in a highly competitive and physically demanding series will be key to his future trajectory. Should he succeed, it could validate Berger's advice and potentially reignite interest from Formula 1 teams or solidify his status as a leading open-wheel driver. His recent strong test performance suggests he has the pace to compete at the front.