Mick Schumacher calls 2020 F2 season a “head start” for possible 2021 F1 seat
F1 News
- Bevan Youl
Mick Schumacher has said that participating in the Formula 2 season in 2020 can give him a “head start” should he enter formula 1 in 2021 due to the use of the new 18-inch tyres.
Schumacher, son of legend Michael Schumacher, is signed on as a Ferrari junior driver competing for Prema Racing in F2, where he finished the 2019 season 12th, winning the sprint race in Hungary.
The German tested throughout 2019 for both Alfa Romeo and Ferrari but was not offered a seat for 2020 due to results and Antonio Giovinazzi’s improved performances.
Something he sees as on opportunity to take advantage of the 18-inch tyres being used in F2 next season.
“Clearly if you get the opportunity [in F1], you take it, so the opportunity hasn’t been there,” Schumacher said to Motorsport.com. “That’s pretty open and clear.
“But then the next decision was to stay in F2. For me [it was] the most intelligent and most reliable decision I could take and category I could drive in.
“F2 is going to have the new tyres next year, which is going to be positive for me because that’s going to be for F1 in 2021.
“If then we manage to do the step, I would have a head start.
"Obviously it’s different but I think in a junior category it’s going to help me get more experience. Maybe also put me in a different position for next year.”