Schumacher takes over from Sainz for Ferrari F1 testing at Fiorano

Formula 2 champion Mick Schumacher is getting his first laps of the year driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car on Thursday afternoon at Fiorano. 

The Ferrari junior is getting some mileage in the team’s 2018-spec SF71H as he steps up preparations for his debut F1 season with Haas this year. 

Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael, took over running from new Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who drove on Wednesday and Thursday morning in what is his first appearance for the Scuderia following his arrival from McLaren. 

The 21-year-old German previously drove Ferrari’s 2019 car at the official Bahrain in-season test two years ago, setting the second fastest time. 

Schumacher also drove for Alfa Romeo at the Bahrain test and went on to make his FP1 debut at the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Haas following his triumph to the F2 title. He went on to take part in the post-season young drivers test for the American team which will hand him his grand prix bow in 2021. 

Ferrari is conducting a five-day test for seven drivers at its private test track this week. 

Look who’s here Ciao Mick!@SchumacherMick #FDA @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/z5oAIycuR6

— FerrariDriverAcademy (@insideFDA) January 28, 2021

Ferrari Driver Academy members Giuliano Alesi and Marcus Armstrong drove a Ferrari F1 car for the first time on Monday, while fellow F2 racer Robert Shwartzman was also in action.

Tuesday marked Charles Leclerc’s return to the cockpit following his positive test for COVID-19 earlier this month, before Sainz made his Ferrari debut on Wednesday, clocking over 100 laps. 

Schumacher is scheduled to drive again on Friday morning, before handing over to Ferrari test driver Callum Ilott, who will round out the test in the afternoon.