F1 | Ferrari: test at Fiorano for Shwartzman, Ilott and Schumacher

Day of work in Fiorano where, on the track owned by Ferrari, three of the most talented prospects from the Cavallino Academy took to the track: Robert Shwartzman, Callum Ilott and Mick Schumacher. The three carried out a test driving the SF71-H, the Red used in the 2018 World Championship by Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, preparatory to their debut in a Formula One world championship weekend.

Ilott and Schumacher will be busy on Friday 9 October on the Nürburgring track, in the first free practice session of the Eifel Grand Prix, respectively at the wheel of Haas and Alfa Romeo Racing; Shwartzman will instead make his personal debut on December 11th in the final weekend of the season which will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The first to take to the track today, shortly after 9am, was Shwartzman who subsequently gave way at midday to Ilott with the latter handing over to Schumi jr in the very early afternoon.

"I have dreamed of the day of my debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car since I was a child and today that moment finally arrived – said Shwartzman – Being able to drive this car was fantastic and a lot of fun. Power is the most striking element: when you accelerate the horsepower seems to never end. Braking has the same effect: the car stops even when it seems too late to take the bend. As well as driving the car, it was also special to work with the team. The group is really large and attention is paid to every little detail. It truly operates at a very high level. Thanks to everyone who made this memorable day possible".

"Today is a difficult day to forget. I had already had the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car last year, but today I was able to regain confidence with the single-seater when there are less than ten days left until my debut in a Grand Prix weekend – admitted Ilott – It was very helpful and I thank Ferrari and the FDA for giving me this opportunity. I was struck by the aerodynamic efficiency of the SF71H, which allows for a grip unknown to other categories, the extreme power of the engine and the promptness in braking".

"I thank Ferrari and the FDA for giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of a hybrid Formula 1 car just a few days after my debut in a Grand Prix weekend at the Nürburgring – declared Schumi jr – It was very useful to regain confidence with the procedures, which were quite complex, and also with the operations of a top-category team. A few weeks ago at Mugello I had the chance to drive an F2004, an extraordinary car but no longer recent. Getting behind the wheel of a 2018 hybrid single-seater allowed me to appreciate how significant the contribution of the electric part of the Power Unit is and how much Formula 1 has progressed from an aerodynamic point of view. I can't wait to get into the cockpit in Germany , it will be nice to be able to make my official debut in the top category in front of my fans. In the team I will also find some mechanics who worked with my father and this will make that day even more special".

"I am very satisfied with this day. I thank the Scuderia Ferrari race team who assisted us, because in such an intense championship season they did not back down from a trivial effort such as changing the car's configuration twice in one day and assisting three young drivers in approach to a complex car like a hybrid Formula 1 single-seater – admitted Marco Matassa, FDA Technical Manager – Technically I'm happy with how Mick, Callum and Robert adapted quickly to the SF71H. For two of them it was not the first time in a Formula 1, but it was still not easy to switch from the driving style necessary to drive a Formula 2 car to the one more suited to a Formula 1, with more power, a incredibly more advanced braking system and power steering on the steering wheel that rewards sensitivity and driving precision. Instead they were quick and immediately started lapping at an excellent pace. I am convinced that the laps completed today will be very useful to Mick and Callum as they prepare for their Formula 1 debut on Friday at the Nürburgring. From a human point of view, from this test I carry in my heart the three boys in the red overalls in front of their Ferrari, posing for the group photo, and the emotion of Robert who made his debut today at the wheel of a Formula car 1, a moment that remains unforgettable for every driver".