Ferrari boss proud of Mick Schumacher amid high expectations for 2020

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto gave a frank evaluation of Mick Schumacher's career so far and has high praise for the son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.

Expectations are high ahead of young Schumacher's second season in Formula 2 this year, with Binotto making no secret of his team's affection for the 20-year-old, "We are very proud having made him part of the FDA.

"That's it for the obvious love, not only because he is Michael Schumacher’s son, but because I think he's a good driver, he actually performed well even in this season.

"If you look at the standings you can see some experienced drivers on top, but he had one good season to gain experience. And if you look in term of rookies, too, he was doing well. He was a rookie. So, I think that next season will be key for him to understand how much he's progressing,"  

"We are expecting much from the next year because he will have one season of experience and we are pretty sure he's a good candidate for F1 in the future.

"Will he be a candidate for Ferrari either in the future? It's really too early on but again, the aim of the FDA is to find the next talent for Ferrari and he is part of the FDA, because finally, we believe he's got the talent to stay in this group.

"2021 will be too early for one of our young talents, too. In 2021 some experience from drivers will be important because it's a completely new type of car," explained Binotto during an interview with Autosport.

Schumacher junior has already tested for Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, but for the next step onto the grid, his future hinges on how he performs in 2020. Anything less than a top three in the F2 championship would be disappointing for the 2018 Formula 3 Champion and those carefully minding his career.