Ex-F1 driver Nick Heidfeld says a string of disappointing performances from Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi could incite the Swiss outfit replace the Italian with Mick Schumacher.
The 21-year-old Schumacher is set to undertake his second season of Formula 2 with Prema this year, but the 21-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher is rumored to be in the running for an Alfa seat for 2021.
However, Heidfeld sees a mid-season swap between Giovinazzi and Schumacher as a real possibility if the Italian's results fall short of team boss Frédéric Vasseur's expectations.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Mick in the car this season," Heidfeld told Sky Germany.
"If he does a great job in Formula 2 and Giovinazzi has even more problems than he suffered last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if they sat Mick in the seat mid-season."
©AlfaRomeo
But even if Alfa Romeo stays the course with Giovinazzi this year, Heidfeld feels 2021 could be the year when the Schumacher name returns to the grid.
"Kimi Räikkönen will soon end his career and Antonio Giovinazzi is not that strong," he added. "So I think a young driver like Mick may have a chance.
"The good thing about the Schumacher family is that they know exactly what to do to prevent him from reaching Formula 1 too soon," concluded the German.
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