Scuderia Ferrari apparently plan to make a decision soon on an academy junior being promoted to F1. And looking at the recent market speculation, it is possible that Mick Schumacher is one of those names to make the step up to the premier motorsport division.
Ferrari already see the FP1 in the last race at Abu Dhabi as an opportunity for the likes of Schumacher and Ilott. However, the call could much earlier than that.
There had earlier been a lot of speculation surrounding Mick Schumacher’s arrival at Alfa Romeo for 2021. However, that door slammed shut when they confirmed Antonio Giovinazzi alongside Kimi Raikkonen for the new season.
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Mick Schumacher F1 future to be decided in a few weeks’ time
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has spoken about taking the final decision of which academy junior to promote within a couple of weeks. This would fit in the timing with the closure of the F2 Championship in Bahrain.
Binotto stated in a brief interview, “I don’t think we will wait for the final race in Bahrain, and for Abu Dhabi. I think it is something we may decide in the next couple of weeks.
“There is not space for all of them.
“I think they are all doing well in F2 at the moment, if we are considering Mick, Callum and Robert.
“But we will make our own decision. And the decision will be done on what they have done so far, how they have developed and their potential.” stated Binotto.
The original plan was for Schumacher and Ilott to have their F1 practice debuts in the Nurburgring. Unfortunately, the session got canceled owing to poor weather at the track.
Haas remains the only option for Schumacher
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All eyes have now turned to the vacant seats at Haas. The American outfit, powered by Ferrari engines, is yet to make a final call on their drivers’ lineup for 2021.
From that perspective, there have been continual rumors about Mick Schumacher occupying the seat alongside fellow F2 racer Nikita Mazepin. What remains a doubt, however, is whether Haas would approve a double rookie combination.
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Schumacher is competing in the FIA F2 Championship, which he currently leads with 191 points. Naturally, he will obtain a super-license to drive in F1, if he wins the title.
But with a host of talented juniors waiting in the wings of the Ferrari Drivers’ Academy, will Schumacher make the cut? Only time and Mattia Binotto will tell if the speculation was right all along.