Monaco debut: Jeffrey Schmidt at world’s most glamorous fixture
Glitz, glamour, superstars and one of the toughest race tracks around – the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous races in the world. Jeffrey Schmidt was in Monaco, as the Principality staged Formula 1 racing and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The Swiss driver qualified 13th on the grid in a field of 25 cars and moved up two places to finish his first Monaco race in 14th position after receiving a three-place grid penalty. Schmidt is placed second overall in the rookie classification and is tenth in the championship standings.
Jeffrey, Monaco is one of the world’s best known motor racing circuits. What was it like to compete there under the Formula 1 banner?
Monaco is a unique race track and is certainly one of the toughest of all. Every little mistake can soon end in the crash barriers. I managed to post clean laps over the entire race weekend on this narrow track, which is not easy, as we saw in the race on Sunday. There were lots of crashes, but I kept well away from the chaos that ensued. It was my first race in Monaco, as a crack in the chassis last year after qualifying prevented me from racing for reasons of safety.
P14 is probably not the result you were hoping for. What happened?
It’s relatively easy to explain. Overtaking with our cars in Monaco is almost impossible. If the driver in front doesn’t make a mistake, then it’s hard to overtake, as we saw throughout the entire field. Winning a place is never easy at most race tracks and is extremely difficult in Monaco. Of course, the three-place grid penalty after the last race in Barcelona didn’t help either. Still, I moved up two positions after starting from P16.
So, was a good quali the key to success in the Principality?
Yes, absolutely. Unfortunately, I hit traffic on my second set of fresh tyres during qualifying. It can easily happen on this track when there are so many cars in the field, so I had not quite got into my stride as lap times gradually got faster towards the end and that’s of vital importance, particularly in Monaco, where everything has to be right. It was practically impossible to draw away from the crowded midfield to any great extent. Still, I learned a lot that will help me in the future and intend to go all-out again in the next race!
Monte Carlo also stands for glamour and not just for motor racing. What did you make of the atmosphere?
Racing in such a stunning setting and being in the middle of things was mega. Just imagine all those huge yachts in the harbour and the 100 private jets at the airport – where in the world can you find anything like it? I can honestly say that it’s quite special, knowing that the spectators and even some Hollywood stars had also come to Monaco because of us, to watch the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races.
This is not normally the case, but you had Saturday free in Monaco, since qualifying took place on Friday. What did you do that day?
If you think I went partying, then you’re very wrong! I went cycling with my Lechner Racing team-mate Michael Ammermüller. On Friday afternoon and Saturday, we covered 140 kilometres and ascents totalling around 2,700 metres. It was great fun and a super way to keep fit and focused for the race. And all those who know me will also know just how much I enjoy being out on my bike.
Racing continues this weekend with the Porsche Carrera Cup. What do you think of your chances at the Lausitzring?
As leader in the championship, I would definitely like to be in contention for the win at the Lausitzring. The way the season has gone so far proves that we are fast enough to be among the front-runners. At any rate, I have fond memories of the Lausitzring. It’s where I achieved my first podium back in 2013 in my debut season in the Carrera Cup. That was a great feeling and I aim to add many more trophies to my collection.
