European Formula 3 champion Mick Schumacher was never an option to partner Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso next season.
The young German amazed everyone with a streak of five consecutive wins at one stage which catapulted him to the top in the junior category, overhauling a Red Bull junior in Dan Ticktum.
Now, Schumacher will compete in F2 in 2019 with Prema but at the time of his success, some were wondering if the Austrian company would make a move for the son of seven-time F1 champion Michael.
“He was never on our radar,” advisor Helmut Marko told Motorsport-Magazin.
“He is well looked after in his own environment. That’s why we have never interfered or shown any interest.”
Indeed, his future has always been linked to one of his father’s former teams, either Ferrari or Mercedes, with recent reports he has chosen the Scuderia.
“It is obvious that for him the Maranello door will always be open,” said Maurizio Arrivabene.
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A former Toro Rosso boss Gerhard Berger also recently talked up Mick’s progress at an awards event in Germany.
“Mick Schumacher will be at Ferrari in two years,” the Austrian predicted. “But I do not know yet if he will drive the motorhome or in Formula 1!
“Seriously, Michael’s son in the second part of the season has impressed me,” he added. “They say he went strong because he had the best material, but I saw him winning in the wet too.
“He has the opportunity to grow in F2. Obviously, everyone’s dream is that in a couple of years he can sit behind the wheel of his father’s car.”