Hakkinen: "F1 talks too early for Mick Schumacher"

Double world champion Mika Hakkinen says that it is too early for Mick Schumacher to enter talks over a Formula 1 deal. Hakkinen was one of many rivals of the legendary Michael Schumacher, Mick's father.

Ferrari has previously stated that they would roll the red carpet for Schumacher if he wanted to enter the team's driver academy. The 18-year-old is competing in the Formula 3 European Championship and lies 11th in the standings with one podium to his name.

"It is not the right time to be talking about formula one, in my opinion," Hakkinen told Auto Bild. "He is still a young man and has to prove himself in various ways. But what is important is that he wants to win more races.

"If you are humble and hungry, if you have the goal to be a winner, and you try to improve yourself and become a better racing driver, then that is exactly what you need. And when I talk to Mick, I feel that he wants to be a winner."

Mercedes is also interested in the German, with GP3 driver George Russell the only other non-F1 racer that Mercedes has in its young driver programme. 

Fergal Walsh