(Motorsport-Total.com) – Three Ferrari juniors are currently fighting for the championship in Formula 2. Robert Schwarzman, Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott are in the starting blocks and are waiting for their likelihood in Formula 1. Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto explains who he would most like to see in the premier class.
“We have great drivers in Formula 2 this year, three are fighting for the championship,” Binotto said proudly. “You are doing very well and are showing progress compared to last year.” Ilott and Schumacher already have a year of experience.
Schwarzman, on the other hand, surprised at the start of the season as a rookie, he was able to prevail in the internal duel against the German at Prema and leads the championship with 132 Points before the two Monza races. Ilott is ten points behind in second place, Schumacher with 26 Fewer points in fourth place.
“For Robert it is his first year in Formula 2. Normally you expect a rookie to have more difficulties. But he does very well”, Binotto seems to be particularly impressed by the Russian.
Used to be, does this brilliant performance by Schwarzman mean for Ilott and Schumacher’s Formula 1 chances? “I think if we look to the next year, all three deserve a place in Formula 1. But the second half of the season will be decisive, especially for Robert because he’s a rookie. Let’s see how he develops.”
Performance alone will not give the juniors a place in Formula 1. “It’s not just about their performance. It is more important for a driver that he develops further and the ability shows that he can make progress.”
According to this criterion, Ferrari will decide. The Haas and Alfa Romeo customer teams have not yet confirmed any drivers for 2021. In the paddock, there is speculation that at least one of the two groups could have a young pilot getting his likelihood.
Photo series: Mick Schumacher: His way into Formula 1
Mick Schumacher is slowly but surely stepping into the spotlight. The son of the Formula 1 record champion Michael seems to have set an inexorable course for the premier class … Photo gallery
There is no room for a rookie in the top team for the foreseeable future, Ferrari has that with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Driver duo up to 2022. “Charles has already taken an apartment near Maranello. Carlos is looking for one,” reveals the Italian.
Used to be both, he explains at ‘Sky’: “They are young and willing to develop and contribute to the development of the group. Charles is gradually becoming a real leader – not just in the car, but also outside it. I think this is an important reveal to be a leader. “
The Monegasse will take over the leadership role after two years in the top team. Then it is no longer enough just to drive fast; other qualities also come into play, says Binotto. “He’s a fantastic skill, very fast, good in duels, defending and overtaking.”
But: Ferrari’s great hope for the future is only 22 years young. The Ferrari team boss knows that he lacks experience and maturity. “He has to develop as a person, as a man and a leader. And that is exactly what he is focusing on at the moment. He wants to help the staff to do better in the future.”
0 Comments