Mick Schumacher's F1 Friday Practice Session Confirmed
Mick Schumacher, 21, is scheduled to run in Friday practice at the Nurburgring on Oct. 9.
Callum Ilott plans to test that same day in Germany with Haas F1 Team.
The jury is out on whether or not Mick Schumacher will energize F1.
Mick Schumacher is scheduled for his first official Formula 1 Friday practice session in what looks like the next step to a full-time right with Alfa Romeo as early as next season.
Schumacher's Friday practice debut with Alfa Romeo on Oct. 9 at the Nurburgring has now been confirmed, as has a similar run for fellow Ferrari junior Callum Ilott at Haas.
Of the two, it appears Schumacher's F1 race seat looks the most likely for 2021, with Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur even saying that a new driver like the F2 series leader would need to be given time to shine next year.
"Ten years ago, the drivers had, let's say, 19 days of (pre-season) testing, but in 2021 they will have one and a half," Vasseur said. "We will also start the season on tracks where the young drivers have not competed. It takes time for a rookie to understand Formula 1, the tires etc. I would give them five or six races (to be competitive)."
Schumacher and Ilott will prepare for the Nurburbring with tests in Ferrari's 2018 car at Fiorano on Wednesday, with Robert Shwartzman also present ahead of a Friday debut for the Russian in Abu Dhabi. Schumacher, Ilott and Shwartzman are 1-2-5 in the current Formula 2 standings.
"Callum, Mick and Robert have shown what they can do in Formula 2. This is now a further step in their training," said Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies.
The big buzz, however, is about the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
And one of those who should be looking forward to Schumacher's debut, according to former Mercedes sporting director Norbert Haug, is Formula 1's incoming F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
"Stefano will know very well that Mick deserves this promotion as much as Formula 1 will benefit from it," Haug said.
What do you say? Make your voice heard, to us and other passionate racing fans. Sign up below to leave comments, argue a point, agree with other posters or register your vehement dissent. It’s all good and we want to hear it.
