Mick Schumacher signs on with Formula 2 team for 2019 season

Mick Schumacher is one step away from emulating father Michael and his uncle Ralf in becoming a Formula 1 race driver — the 19-year-old European F3 champion has joined Prema Racing for the 2019 FIA Formula 2 season.

Schumacher won the 2018 European F3 championship with the Prema team.

Prema Racing first joined F2, previously called GP2, in 2016. That year, the team won the team championship as drivers Pierre Gasly and Antonio Giovinazzi finished 1-2.

Charles Leclerc also took the F2 driver's title with Prema in 2017 and, although the past season was slightly less successful thanks largely to the arrival of the powerful Carlin and ART teams, Schumacher can look forward to a competitive debut season.

“I’m really looking forward to contesting my next season with Prema in FIA Formula 2," Schumacher said. "It's a logical step on my sporting path in my view because I want to further improve my technical experience and driving skills. “For me, it was very clear to go into Formula 2 with Prema. I can't thank the Prema family enough for what we achieved together as a team, especially this year, how we continued to develop together. I’m also really excited to drive the Formula 2 tests in Abu Dhabi.”

Schumacher first joined Prema in 2016 racing in Formula 4. The son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher will take part in the postseason F2 test in Abu Dhabi during the week before partnering with Sebastian Vettel in at the Race of Champions in Mexico early in 2019.

“We are proud to welcome Mick to our Formula 2 operation for 2019,” said Rene Rosin, team principal of Prema. “He is an extremely talented and dedicated racer, working with him is a pleasure and we can’t wait to begin this adventure together.

“This championship is not an easy one due to its learning curve for rookies especially with the introduction of the new car, but we think that Mick has the maturity and skills needed to make it. We are excited for the start of the next chapter in his career and we are happy to be part of it.”

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