Mick Schumacher: Second F2 term gives me head start on tyres before potential 2021 F1 seat

Mick Schumacher says a second season in Formula 2 was the "most intelligent" decision he could take for his 2020 campaign, as he will also gain experience with Pirelli's 18-inch tyres.

The German was announced to be staying at Prema for 2020 on Thursday and will be partnered by the reigning Formula 3 champion and fellow Ferrari's Drivers' Academy member Robert Shwartzman. 

F2 will run the 18-inch wheels next year before they are implemented into F1 in 2021 as part of a series of regulation changes.

Schumacher says there were no opportunities available to him to make the move to F1 for next year, but is eyeing up gaining more experience in the junior categories before any potential F1 offers come his way.

"If you get the opportunity, you would take it," Schumacher said. "But the opportunity hasn't been there, that's pretty open and clear. 

"But the best decision was to stay in F2. It is, to me, the most intelligent and most reliable [decision] that I could take. F2 is going to have the new tyres next year, which is a positive for me because that's going to be in F1 in 2021.

"If I manage to do that step, I would have a headstart. Obviously it's different, but in a junior category, it's going to help me gain more experience. It may put me in a different position for next year."

Schumacher has superlicense framed on his wall

There was some confusion over whether or not Schumacher had a superlicense and if he would be eligible for a seat in F1 next year.

Earlier this year when he tested with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, his rear light was green when he drove the Alfa Romeo, used for drivers who do not possess a superlicense.

Schumacher clarified that he does indeed have a superlicense, stating that he keeps it framed on his wall in his room.

"I do have the super license, there's never been confusion about that," said Schumacher. "There's probably been confusion about the lights, I've only seen it afterwards, I don't have mirrors that show me the lights

"But as you saw on the Ferrari, there were red lights so I have the super license. It's framed up in my room."