Schumacher could go straight from F3 to F1 - Stroll

Lance Stroll sees no reason why Mick Schumacher cannot jump from European Formula 3 straight into Formula 1, having done so himself after winning the junior title in 2016. Schumacher holds a dominant lead ahead of this weekend's final round of races and has been linked with Toro Rosso's vacant 2019 seat.

Victory in any of the three races at Hockenheim this weekend will crown the 19-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Stroll will be joined by his F3 champion predecessor Lando Norris on the grid next year – the McLaren junior stepping up after a year in Formula 2.

But the Canadian sees no reason why Schumacher should wait for a spot in F1 – despite widespread advice to the contrary – if a suitable offer does emerge.

"I don't think there's a right or wrong," Stroll said. "Some drivers get a chance to get into Formula 1 and you have to go for it.

"Other drivers are in different situations. It's very dependent from driver to driver, everyone has their own unique situation.

"I drove the old car a lot but the step to the new regulations [meant] the new car was, compared to their 2014 car, seven seconds faster.

"He's done a really good job, especially in the second half of the season. Looks like he's put it all together.

"The championship's not over yet, I hope he can seal the deal. He's got a pretty good gap. I hope for himself and the team they can finish it."

Stroll explained that the huge surge in speed was not actually the biggest difference between F3 and F1 machinery.

"The power you get used to quickly," he said. "It's really how to optimise the car. The tyres also.

"It's definitely a big jump from Formula Three, you're looking at like 15 seconds – probably more – 20 seconds of lap time depending on the track. It's definitely a big jump."

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