Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto has maintained talent was a crucial factor in the signing of Mick Schumacher to the company’s driver Academy.
This past weekend, the son of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael finally confirmed speculation he had chosen the Scuderia over Mercedes as he looks to follow his father into F1.
And while Binotto admits there is a great sentimental value in having the Schumacher name back in Ferrari’s ranks, he insists that is not the sole reason.
“For someone like me who has known him from birth, there’s no doubt that welcoming Mick into Ferrari has a special emotional meaning,” the recently installed team boss said.
“But we have chosen him for his talent and the human and professional qualities that have already distinguished him despite his young age.”
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Indeed, at 19, Schumacher has already won the European F3 title and will step up to F2 this year with Prema, the same team which Charles Leclerc won the championship with, in 2017.
“This is another step forward in the right direction, and I can only profit from the immense amount of expertise bundled there,” Mick commented. “Be sure I will make everything to extract whatever helps me achieve my dream, racing in Formula 1.
“It is more than obvious that Ferrari has a big place in my heart since I was born and also in the hearts of our family, so I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well.”
Schumacher then proved his ability with an impressive showing at the Race of Champions event in Mexico, finishing second alongside Sebastian Vettel for Germany in the Nations Cup on Saturday, before beating the four-time F1 champion in the individual competition on Sunday.