Ruined F1 debut 'not a wasted opportunity' - Ilott

Callum Ilott has vowed to glean the positives from his fogged off Formula 1 debut and insists it has not been "a wasted opportunity".

Ilott and fellow Ferrari academy driver Mick Schumacher were due to make appearances in first practice for the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring with Haas and Alfa Romeo respectively, only to sit out the session as the medical helicopter was unable to fly.

It now remains to be seen whether the Briton and fellow F2 title contender Schumacher will be afforded another opportunity before the end of the season, with circumstances conspiring against the duo.

A frustrated Ilott said: “Obviously it wasn’t the most ideal session from everyone’s point of view.

"Nevertheless, it’s been a great experience to come here and prepare as a driver would in Formula 1. From that side, I’ve learned a lot. It certainly hasn’t been a wasted opportunity.

"I would have loved to have been able to go out and do some laps of course, but unfortunately the weather set against that.

"Hopefully, I can get another opportunity before the end of the year, but if this is the only one then it’s been an experience.

"I have to take away from it all the positives I can - even with what’s happened, I’ll be better prepared for another opportunity.”

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has confirmed Ilott will take up a watching brief across Saturday and Sunday to assist with his learning.

Naturally downcast for the Briton, Steiner said: “Obviously, it was a less than ideal day.

"I’m disappointed for Callum that he didn’t get his planned FP1 outing. It’s just one of these things, unfortunately, but he’ll remain with us throughout the weekend so hopefully, that will be a good experience for him."

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