Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Two of Ferrari’s young guns, Robert Schwartzman and Mick Schumacher, will race together at Prema in Formula 2 in 2020.
Prema have announced their Formula 2 driver line-up for 2020, with Sean Gelael not continuing with the team next year. In his place, reigning Formula 3 Champion Robert Schwartzman makes the step up to join the F2 team. He’ll be teamed up with Mick Schumacher, who stays with the team for a second consecutive year after a solid debut F2 season.
This means that the two most recent Formula 3 Champions are both racing for Prema in Formula 2, having won the F3 title with the team. Intriguingly, both drivers are also signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy. This would imply a ‘make or break’ style year for both drivers, with a seat expected to open up at Alfa Romeo in Formula 1 in 2021 should Kimi Raikkonen retire from the sport at the end of his current contract.
“I am really happy to move up to Formula 2 as it is the final step before Formula 1 and obviously a very important one.” said Schwartman, who is backed by Russia’s SMP Racing. “On the other hand, I am delighted to continue my relationship with PREMA Racing. It will be the third consecutive year for me with the team, so we know each other well and there is great chemistry.”
“Our goal is to win the championship as this year we showed that, even with a new car, a lot of unknowns and high-level competitors, it is possible to be at the front right away. I’m sure we have what it takes to do it all again in 2020. I will do my best to learn the tires and car as quickly as possible so we will be at the top of our game from the very beginning. I want to thank Ferrari, the Ferrari Driver Academy and SMP Racing for helping and supporting me. I hope to reward their continued trust with some great results.”
Mick Schumacher, who claimed his maiden F2 win earlier this year in Budapest, says he’s aiming to repay Prema for the faith being shown in him: “Can’t wait to build up on the lessons learned in my 2nd Formula 2 year! Having grown together with Prema for so long, staying here only seems natural. Thanks to the team for giving their trust in me. I’ll give my best to repay it.”
Meanwhile, former Prema driver Sean Gelael has been linked with a seat at DAMS to replace the outgoing Nicholas Latifi. Dan Ticktum, former Red Bull Junior Driver, is also rumoured to be joining DAMS.
Another Ferrari young driver, Callum Ilott, has signed up to race with Uni-Virtuosi Racing. He swaps over from the Sauber Junior Team by Charouz to take part in his second full-time season in Formula 2.
