Former Ferrari boss 'optimistic' for Mick Schumacher's F1 future

Formula 1 managing director motorsports Ross Brawn is "full of optimism" for the future of F2 championship leader Mick Schumacher.

Schumacher, who leads the F1 feeder series by 22 points from fellow Ferrari academy driver Callum Ilott, has been heavily linked with a move to Alfa Romeo or Haas for 2021.

The son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher endured a relatively forgettable debut season in F2 last year, finishing 12th and standing on the podium just once.

This season, however, Schumacher has made considerable progress as he has scored 10 podiums, including feature race victories in Monza and Sochi.

"Russia was an excellent weekend for him and I’m full of optimism for his future," wrote former Ferrari technical director Brawn in his weekly column.

Should Schumacher claim the title, there is no guarantee of an instant promotion to F1 but due to FIA regulations, he would be unable to remain in F2.

Charles Leclerc and George Russell were both promoted to F1 after winning the F2 title, while Pierre Gasly, Jolyon Palmer and Stoffel Vandoorne all faced time on the sidelines before landing a drive.

Addressing the added pressures Schumacher has faced in his career from bearing his famous father's name, Brawn added: "When you carry the mantle of the name Schumacher, it’s not an easy gig.

"It can give you some benefits, but you’re the subject of scrutiny the whole time.

"Mick has handled it amazingly well, and in the latter part of this season, his second season in Formula 2, we have started to see him mature and develop extremely well as a racing driver."

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