Binotto Reveals Why Mick Schumacher Wasn’t Directly Given a Ferrari Drive on F1 Debut

Ferrari promoted Mick Schumacher from their driver academy to Haas F1 this season. As the German prepares to make his debut this season, some in the Formula 1 community wonder why was he not promoted directly to the Maranello outfit.

The team have been open about their plans with Mick Schumacher joining the team in the future. In a recent interview, the Maranello team’s principal explained that Mick driving for Haas is all a part of the plan.

“When you move from F2 and jump into F1, the very first year cannot be a directly into a red car because that would be too much responsibility and not enough experience.”

“So knowing that we’ve got customer teams or partners on which we may count to continue developing our drivers in F1 is an important element,” he said.

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Mick Schumacher has a great opportunity with Haas, claims Binotto

Ferrari changed their driver line up strategy this year as they enter the grid with the youngest driving pair since 1968. The team has been investing significantly in young drivers as they plan to claim the championship in the near future.

Binotto said, “Mick is part of our FDA and the FDA programme is not there to develop drivers for F1, but it’s there to develop drivers that one day may drive a Ferrari seat, a red car.”

The 21-year-old German joined the Ferrari Academy two years ago. The academy also has impressive talents like Callum Illot and Robert Schwartzman brewing to make their Formula 1 debut.

Haas F1 boss, Guenther Steiner had stated earlier that he hopes to help Mick to a career similar to Charles Leclerc. The German seems destined to join Ferrari and follow in his father, Michael Schumacher’s path.

The question is, how long is it going to take for Ferrari to sign Mick, what do you think?