Schumacher gets advice over 2019 F1 move

Mick Schumacher is not ready to join Formula 1 in 2019, according to the series' motorsport director Ross Brawn. The 19-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher has surged towards the European Formula 3 title in recent months, attracting reported interest from Toro Rosso.

Schumacher Jr took his first F3 win at Spa in July, but victories in seven of the subsequent 12 races have handed him a 49-point lead with one round to go.

Red Bull junior driver Dan Ticktum has seen his title hopes, and chances of stepping up to Toro Rosso, go up in smoke as Schumacher has begun to dominate, leading to reports that he could step up to F1.

However Brawn – the engineering mastermind behind Michael Schumacher's seven world title wins - says the teenager would be better served by making his way up the ranks more gradually.

"He has a few more steps to make before he joins Formula 1," Brawn told TASS of Schumacher.

"Mick is a very mature young man and I think he knows he has to pace himself, make sure that he is completely ready to join Formula 1.

"The name of Schumacher carries a lot of history. If he merits and if he wants to be fully prepared before he makes his step into Formula 1, I think Formula 2 is the next logical step for Mick.

"Hopefully he can come into Formula 2, to learn the tracks more.

"Because of the integration we now have between the Formula 2 and Formula 1 - much closer integration that he can start to become familiar with the Formulae environment.

"I am delighted that he is performing as much as he is, because it brings back some very fun memories."

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