Ferrari believes that the junior driver Mick Schumacher would be a “good candidate” for a Formula 1 seat in the future.
The son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael, Schumacher finished 12th overall in his maiden Formula 2 season in 2019, scoring a victory from the reversed-grid race at the Hungaroring.
He completed his first two official F1 evaluation days running first for Ferrari then Alfa Romeo in the Grand Prix evaluation in April.
Team principal Mattia Binotto stated Ferrari was”expecting considerably” from Schumacher in 2020.
“We are extremely pleased having made him part of the FDA,” said Binotto.
“That’s it for the obvious love, not just because he is Michael Schumacher’s son, but since I think he is a fantastic driver, he really performed well in this year.
“If you examine the standings you can see some seasoned drivers on top, but he had one good season to get experience.
“And if you take a look in term of rookies, also, he had been doing well. He had been a rookie.
“Therefore, I think the following season will be key for him to understand just how much he is progressing.
“We’re expecting much from the next year since he will have one season of expertise and we are fairly sure he’s a good candidate for F1 in the long run.”
Binotto added it was too soon to judge whether Schumacher is going to be a prospect for the Ferrari team.
As Ferrari controls one of the chairs at the squad any original F1 promotion would likely come at Alfa Romeo.
“Will he be a candidate for Ferrari either later on? It’s really too early on,” lasted Binotto.
“But again, the goal of the FDA is to find the next gift for Ferrari and he’s a part of the FDA since finally, we think he has the talent to remain within this group.
“2021 will be too early for among our young talents, too.
“In 2021 some expertise from motorists will be important because it’s a completely new kind of car.”
Schumacher was being evaluated for the next Alfa seat, but Antonio Giovinazzi’s improved form in the second half of the season and a combo of his F2 outcomes meant that the Italian was ultimately given another year in F1.
Schumacher told Autosport there was”no chance of a seat” for 2020, regardless of that link.
“Clearly if you get the opportunity, you take it, or so the opportunity hasn’t been there,” said Schumacher.
“That’s pretty open and clear.
“But the next decision was to stay in F2.
“For me the most intelligent and most dependable choice I could take and class I could drive.
“F2 is going to get the new [18-inch] tires next year, and this will be favorable for me since that is going to be for F1 in 2021.
“If then we can do this step [into F1] I’d have a head start.”
