Todt: Leave Mick Schumacher in peace

FIA president Jean Todt has politely requested that Mick Schumacher be left "in peace" in his development as a driver and as a person, whilst also providing an opinion on the potential fortunes of three other young drivers making their debut in F1 this season.

Schumacher, who is the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, recently signed a contract with Ferrari's driver academy, but will continue in F2 with Prema Racing in 2019.

Todt, who worked with Schumacher senior in the past, says Mick should be left alone in his development like any other driver.

"I'm very happy, it's Michael's son Mick, I've known him since he was a baby," Todt said.

"I love him, he's a great character and we must leave him in peace. He's demonstrating to be a very talented driver.

"On top of that he's a very nice boy, very humble, very well-educated. I will follow him very closely as I've always been doing. He's a simple, honest, loyal, good boy. He's not yet spoiled [by the world of F1]."

Todt was asked his opinion on how George Russell, Alex Albon, and Lando Norris will perform in their maiden campaigns in F1, and he reckons it depends on what the trio are working with.

"It depends on the car they will drive," the FIA president admitted.

"It's not a question of being a young driver, it's a question of having a good car to drive or not. If they have a good car they will be competitive.

"If they don't they will be behind. It's something you should understand, the driver without a car he will do nothing.

"If you put Hamilton in the worst car of the field, he will not be on pole and he will not be champion. You have people who have decided to step out of F1, like Alonso, because he is not able to have a winning car."

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