Newly crowned European Formula 3 champion Mick Schumacher has admitted it is likely to be another year at least before we see him joining the F1 grid.
The 19-year-old son of seven-time champion Michael wrapped up the junior category last weekend at the season finale at Hockenheim what has been a remarkable second half of the year including five straight wins which catapulted him to the top of the standings.
Unsurprisingly, talk of a jump straight to F1 has emerged but it appears Schumacher is heeding the advice of those including Ross Brawn by not wanting to rush his rise up the motorsport ladder.
"Am I ready for Formula 1? I prefer to move forward gradually, step by step, preparing really well," he said.
"So it's important to always make the right decision. We will decide in the coming weeks."
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A move to F2 is considered the most likely with both the Prema team he raced with in F3 and ART Grand Prix, an outfit associated with Nicolas Todt, both options.
In making that switch, it would also help Schumacher acclimatise to the F1 environment with the series following the Grand Prix calendar for 11 races.
"Every driver has the goal of being in F1, it's the premier class and to stand up to the best there is the optimum," Mick continued.
"We are talking to some teams and putting together the best strategy for next year."
