Goal for Mick Schumacher Must be to Get to F1 to Stay: Todt

Nicolas Todt, son of FIA president Jean Todt has said that Mick Schumacher is willing to take his time before stepping up to Formula One.

Todt, is a long-time junior formula team owner and manager of several  drivers. He insists that Schumacher will avoid what most drivers do in rushing their progression.

Mick clinched the 2018 European F3 Championship, catapulting his name further into the spotlight in the process.

The 19-year-old will now head to F2 after being signed by Prema Racing for the 2019 season.

Speaking to Speed Week about the steps being taken by the young German, Todt said: “Mick does not say now or never. He knows he still has a lot to learn. He is young.

“The goal is not to sit in a Grand Prix race car as soon as possible. The goal must be to get to Formula 1 and stay there.

“I think it is very important to get well prepared for Grand Prix racing. You have to prove in the junior classes that you can regularly win or even dominate.

“Then it’s time for the next step. Most drivers rush everything, and that later turns out to be a mistake.”

Todt currently manages the likes of Daniil Kvyat and Charles LeClerc, both of whom, are in F1. He also manages former F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Pastor Maldonado.

Schumacher, on the other hand, is managed by Sabine Kehm, who also managed Michael Schumacher. As mentioned before, Mick is heading to FIA Formula 2 for 2019. He will be partnering Toro Rosso test driver Sean Gelael. He took over the seat vacated by Nyck de Vries, who is racing for ART Grand Prix.

Given the obvious talent in the 19-year old German, it will only be a matter of time until he reaches Formula One. But like Todt said, Mick is in no rush to enter at a young age.