Fernando Alonso has told Mick Schumacher to take any opportunity to join the Formula 1 grid as soon as possible.
Both drivers were on track together on Tuesday as the Spaniard drove a McLaren being used for Pirelli tyre testing and the young German made his first F1 appearance as part of the Ferrari Academy.
But as he makes his way up the motorsport ladder, Alonso warns that the F1 “train” may only come so many times.
“It’s better to go always as early as you can,” he told Sky Sports. “You never know when the train will come in Formula 1 when you are young.
“He’s in F2 this year, that’s the full concentration I guess for him to do a good championship. If he does well and an F1 team relies on your talent you have to take that train.”
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Schumacher though maintains his position that he’ll only consider F1 when he feels ready.
“It’s my first season in Formula 2 and I want to go to Formula 1 fully prepared as a driver,” he said last weekend in Bahrain.
“Only time will tell when I’m ready, whether it’s next year or another year. I prefer to take one step at a time.”
Guiding Mick is respected driver manager Nicolas Todt, who has overseen several new stars in recent years, including right now, Charles Leclerc.
“There is no need to be in a hurry,” the Frenchman also told Sky. “What is important is for Mick to hopefully one day, hopefully not too late, to reach Formula 1 and to be there for many years.
“His goal is not to be as soon as possible in Formula 1 but about reaching Formula 1 as a very prepared man, as Charles has done.”
“My job for Mick is to advise the family to guide them and to guide them or give them some advice what I think they could do.
“Like Charles, he’s entering the Ferrari Academy, which is a great thing for Mick to be part of the Ferrari family. He’s already in Formula 2 and has got great support.”
