F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari stages F1 test for Schumacher, Ilott and Shwartzman

Ferrari has given three leading members of its Driver Academy the chance to get a taste of what it's like to be behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.

Mick Schumacher, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman all took to the track on Wednesday at its dedicated test track at Fiorano at the wheel of a 2018 Ferrari SF71H. It's part of the trio's preparation for their maiden free practice appearances at upcoming official Grand Prix weekends.

"They were all quick and immediately began running at a good pace," Ferrari Driver Academy technical chief Marco Matassa told Motorsport.com. "The laps they did today will be very useful when Mick and Callum run on Friday at the Nurburgring.”

“It’s not easy to switch from the driving style demanded from a Formula 2 car to one best suited to Formula 1," he added. “The car has much more power, a significantly more sophisticated braking system and power steering that requires sensitivity and precision to use properly."

Current Formula 2 championship leader Schumacher has already had two previous outings in contemporary F1 equipment, and is the second for Ilott, but it was all new for 2019 Formula 3 champion Shwartzman.

“It was very useful to get used to all the procedures again, which are pretty complex," said Schumacher, who will take the wheel of an Alfa Romeo next week. "I can’t wait to jump into the cockpit in Germany and it will be nice to take part in a practice session for the first time in front of my home crowd."

“What struck me about the SF71H was its aero efficiency, which means you have grip levels you just don’t find in other categories," said Ilot who will be testing with Haas. He described his test outing as an “unforgettable day”.

Shwartzman will have to wait until the final race of the season to jump into the Alfa Romeo for FP1.

©Ferrari

 

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

5 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

6 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

8 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

9 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

10 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

11 hours ago