MICK SCHUMACHER will have to wait for his Formula One debut after first practice for the Eifel GP was cancelled due to poor weather.
Rain and fog prevented the medical helicopter from flying – due to poor visibility – meaning the session was unable to get the green light.
Schumacher, the son of seven-time F1 champ, Michael, and British racer, Callum Ilott, were both due to get their first taste of F1 – plus crucial licence points – driving the Alfa Romeo and Haas cars respectively.
But FIA Race Director, Michael Masi, would not start the session because if there was an accident, then there was no rapid route to a nearby hospital.
Schumacher said: “It has been a shame not to be able to get out, we knew the forecast did not look great, this time of year, we knew it might be wet but the preparation was good and we did the meetings and got so much knowledge from it. It has been very helpful.
F1 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EIFEL GRAND PRIX WEEKEND
“We have to wait and see how things develop. We have a lot of tracks coming up that have not been driven on and the usual drivers need their time in the car.
“Any opportunity would be great. F1 is the goal and the dream.
“It is special to be here and would have loved to get out and drive in front of the fans – hopefully next time.
“I have my mum here with me who is watching and she would have loved to see me drive, so maybe another time.”
Ferrari Driver Academy members Schumacher and Ilott had been due to drive in the morning and no decision has been made yet about rescheduling their runs in F1 practice.
Schumacher is currently leading the Formula 2 championship from Ilott and looks destined for a seat in F1 in 2021.
And he says if he does reach his dream of F1 then it will be down to hard work rather than his famous surname.
He added: “The pressure is always there no matter what your name is. My name won’t bring me the championship but it is the work behind the scenes.
“We are doing a very good job and it proves we are in the right spot at the right time.”
