Mick Schumacher will take part in his first official Formula 1 session in FP1 at next weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix.
The current Formula 2 championship leader has been heavily linked to a seat at Alfa Romeo in 2021, and will indeed stand in for Antonio Giovinazzi for the 90-minute session at the Nurburgring.
Schumacher has previously tested both for Ferrari and Alfa last year in Bahrain, but this will be his first taste of modern F1 machinery since then.
“I am overjoyed to get this chance in free practice,” Mick commented.
“The fact that my first participation in a Formula 1 weekend will take place in front of my home audience at the Nürburgring makes this moment even more special.
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“I would like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for giving me the opportunity to get another taste of Formula 1 air one and a half years after our common test drive in Bahrain.
“For the next 10 days, I’m going to prepare myself well, so that I can do the best possible job for the team and gain some valuable data for the weekend.”
Rumours have suggested Schumacher is guaranteed to be promoted should he finish in the top three in F2 this year, and currently the 21-year-old holds a 22-point lead in the standings over Callum Ilott with only four races left in the season.
“There is no doubt that Mick is one of the great talents coming through the feeder series’ ranks and his recent results have been showing it,” Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur commented.
“He is obviously quick, but he is also consistent and mature behind the wheel – all hallmarks of a champion in the making.
“He impressed us with his approach and work ethic on those occasions he has been with us last year and we are looking forward to working with him once more at the Nürburgring.”