Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has revealed his delight at being able to use ‘customer teams’ to develop the Scuderia’s driver academy prospects at the top level. Formula 2 champion Mick Schumacher will drive for Haas in 2021, with Alfa Romeo continuing to run Antonio Giovinazzi for a third consecutive year alongside 2007 Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
With Sebastian Vettel leaving for Aston Martin, Scuderia Ferrari had the opportunity to place Schumacher immediately into one of its scarlet cars.
However, Mattia Binotto is of the opinion no driver can make the immediate step up from F2 to Ferrari and the team signed Carlos Sainz instead of the son of the team’s most famous champion:
“I think when you move from the F2 and you jump into the F1, the very first year can not be directly a red car. That would be too much responsibility with not enough experience so it is [a relief] knowing that we have got customer teams that are partners which we may count [on] to continue developing our drivers in F1. [It] is an important element.”
Mattia Binotto has hinted at an increased involvement with Haas given the migration of staff from Italy to the American team, although ruled out any notion of creating a ‘junior team’ set-up.
The Italian indicated Schumacher’s placement at Haas will strengthen the ties between the two teams.
“Mick Schumacher will be one of the drivers for Haas next year,” he said. “For us, it is a great opportunity, showing the strength of the collaboration we have got. Mick is part of our FDA – “As I am saying, the FDA programme is not just there to develop drivers for F1, but it is there to develop drivers that one day might drive a Ferrari car.”
Mick Schumacher is contracted to Haas for two-years with team principal Guenther Steiner stating on numerous occasions 2021 is a “transitional year” before the introduction of drastically changed aerodynamic regulations in 2022.
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