Poor Weather Cancels Mick Schumacher’s F-1 Debut

The Eifel Grand Prix marks Formula One’s return to one of the most storied circuits in the series. It is also the fourth different Formula One race that will be held at the Nurburgring, with the track previously hosting the German Grand Prix, European Grand Prix, and Luxembourg Grand Prix.

This weekend’s event was supposed to be Mick Schumacher’s first F-1 drive and it would have been historic. It has been eight years since Michael Schumacher last started a Formula One race. It was only but fitting that his son makes his first Formula One appearance at Nurburgring. Not only do the Schumachers represent Germany, but the legendary Michael Schumacher won five European Grand Prix races at the Nurburgring.

The Swiss-born driver isn’t just the son of the legendary Michael Schumacher. He is also one of the top young drivers in the world today. Mick won the 2018 FIA F3 European Championship. He moved on to Formula 2 in 2019 and currently leads the 2020 Formula 2 World Championship.

However, the weather had other plans. With the medical helicopter unable to take off due to poor weather over the Nurburgring on Friday, Schumacher was forced to watch as time ran out for the 90-minute Practice 1 session.

Mick Schumacher’s F-1 “Debut” Cancelled

In the history of Formula One, there have been 12-second generation F-1 drivers, including two in the current field. Team Haas’ Kevin Magnussen is the son of former McLaren driver Jan. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is the son of Joss “The Boss” who raced for Benetton. Mick could very well be the 13th on that list.

Schumacher is part of Ferrari’s development program and he was supposed to take over Antonio Giovinazzi’s Alfa Romeo car during Friday’s first practice. Another Formula 2 contender, Callum Illot of Britain, was supposed to join Schumacher in the same practice session. Illot would have taken over Romain Grosjean’s Haas car.

The move was seen as the first step in the young Schumacher moving closer to a full F1 race seat, possibly next season, and possibly replacing well, Giovinazzi. But it was not meant to be, at least not yet. It remains to be seen if Schumacher will be given another practice shot this season.

Hamilton’s Chase

With Mick’s first Formula One drive canceled, the focus this weekend will be Lewis Hamilton’s chase for his 91st Grand Prix win which will put him in a tie with Mick’s dad for the most by any Formula One driver. Hamilton looked poised to tie the record two weeks ago in Russia. But a pair of five-second penalties for an obscure violation cost the Brit his chance to equal Schumy’s record.

According to BetOnline, the Mercedes ace is the -205 odds on favorite to win the race. Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Bottas is second in the current odds board at +350 and Max Verstappen of Red Bull is third at +400. As with the previous races, the bookies have the Eifel Grand Prix as a three-way race.

Hamilton though stands out. He’s won six out of the first 10 races of the season. He has eight podium finishes and has not finished outside the Top 7 in any race this year. Hamilton has not lost consecutive races this season and it’s worth noting that he’s coming off a 3rd place finish in Russia.