Only a few days stand between Mick Schumacher and his first F1 practice debut. The young driver will certainly have been dreaming of this day. More so, since Ferrari’s announcement of handing out opportunities to some of their academy’s jewels.

As part of his F1 training, Mick has been undergoing a series of different tests and procedures to help gain a rough understanding of the Alfa Romeo car. More recently, he even got a seat fitting done at the team’s Hinwil headquarters.

On a track which is most certainly famous for some of his father’s victories, it will be an emotional and proud moment for Mick as he takes to the field at Nurburgring. As it will most rightly be, for the entire Schumacher family.

And a member of the Schumacher family will be cheering on Mick ahead of his big day – his uncle, Ralf Schumacher. He has been a constant source of motivation for young Mick and a vocal supporter of him getting the chance to drive an F1 car.

Speaking in his featured column on Sky Sport, he stated, “All eyes will of course be on Mick and his ride in the Alfa Romeo next Friday. For Germany, it is incredibly emotional to see a Schumacher in F1 again. I can understand that completely.” 

“But you shouldn’t forget that the Alfa isn’t exactly a top car. So you shouldn’t expect too much either.” (translated by Google Translate)

One needs to remember that this will be the first time Mick would be driving a Formula 1 car. All this while, he has been driving in the karting and lower levels of open-wheel racing.

But now, he will be racing with the big boys. The top motor sport class that many young drivers dream of.

It will hence, be unfair to judge Mick Schumacher based on his practice debut with Alfa Romeo. Unwarranted pressure and criticism are always unwelcome for a young driver, trying to make their mark in the big leagues.

Therefore, everyone watching the Ferrari academy driver, need only appreciate his driving and skills. And not emphasize on what all the driver could do in the future.

After all, as has been rightly said, it has been some time since a Schumacher drove a Formula 1 car.