F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Heidfeld: Schumacher could replace Giovinazzi mid-season

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.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

11 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

14 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago