Schumacher unsure of F1 credentials

Mick Schumacher says he is still in no rush to step up to Formula 1, having made his first testing appearance for Ferrari in Bahrain on Tuesday. The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher was second quickest on the day and earned praise from Ferrari's staff.

Max Verstappen put in a quicker lap than Schumacher towards the end of the first day of action in Bahrain, denying the young German a statement on his first outing in Scuderia red.

When asked if he tried deliberately to be faster than Schumacher, Dutchman Verstappen said: "No, I worked on the programme that was planned by the team."

On Wednesday, Schumacher will test the Alfa Romeo.

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Schumacher is backed strongly by Ferrari, for whom his father won five world championships, and managed by Nicolas Todt, the son of FIA president Jean Todt.

"They're not bad, are they?" Todt said in Bahrain when asked about Charles Leclerc, another of his drivers, and Schumacher.

Schumacher, though, said despite the tests, and amid Italian press reports that he would make an ideal replacement for struggling Sebastian Vettel, he is in no rush to step up to F1.

"It's my first season in Formula 2 and I want to go to Formula 1 fully prepared as a driver. Only time will tell when I'm ready, whether it's next year or another year.

"I prefer to take one step at a time."

As for Verstappen going quicker on Tuesday, Schumacher said: "He has much more experience than me.

"I am satisfied with my driving and with the confidence that I have gained."

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Also impressed is F1 sporting boss Ross Brawn, who worked closely with Schumacher's father at both Ferrari and Mercedes.

"How disciplined he was in dealing with these sensitive tyres is exceptional for such a young driver," Brawn told Germany's Sport Bild.

"I know the same focus, discipline and tunnel vision on the track from his father. Mick is on the right track."

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto agrees: "It's really fun to work with Mick. He is extremely willing to learn and is totally involved."