Vettel on the "big excitement" news of Schumacher Jr's debut test has created, while Sainz explains what it's like to be a 'son of...'
Thursday 28 March 2019 17:32, UK
Sebastian Vettel believes Mick Schumacher fully deserves his first chance to test a Formula 1 car.
Schumacher, the 20-year-old son of Michael, will make his debut with first Ferrari and then Alfa Romeo across two days of testing in Bahrain from Tuesday. Schumacher is also taking his first racing steps in Formula 2 this weekend.
The news of the German's maiden F1 test has inevitably been met with huge media interest, with Schumacher's press session in the F2 paddock drawing a large audience on Thursday.
Ferrari driver Vettel's childhood hero was Schumacher Snr, the seven-time world champion, and he expects the German's son to cope well with such focus.
"Obviously with the name and the son of Michael there's certainly some expectation, but to end up in Formula 1 you need to prove that you have the speed," said Vettel, who has known Mick since Schumacher Jr was a child.
"So far he has done really well. The way he has developed in the last years, he deserves where he is now.
"Now we should give him the time and peace to do his job. It's not easy as it is for him but, on the other hand, he's used to it, so we will see. But for sure it's a big excitement when he will be in the car."
Sainz on his 'son of' comparisons
While his own father competed in a different disciple of motorsport, McLaren driver Carlos Sainz knows well about the pressure and expectation of following in the footsteps of a legendary racing dad.
Carlos Sainz Snr was a two-time World Rally champion and is still considered one of the most legendary names in motorsport, even winning the prestigious Dakar Rally for the second time aged 55 last year.
"I have a lot of sympathy for Mick," Sainz Jr told Sky Sports News.
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"I know a bit of the pressure he's going through this season and what is to be the son of - which is a bit of a pain sometimes to be called all the time the son of, the son of, the son of.
"You want to make your own name and I'm sure he's trying to do the same. He keeps proving he's good, he keeps proving that he has his chances for Formula 1, and no one has given that to him.
"He deserves that because of his talent and the way he has developed as a driver. I wish him all the best for this test."
And Sainz's McLaren team-mate Lando Norris added: "It's a cool thing, especially as he will be following in his dad's footsteps. It's a good opportunity, he's a good driver so he deserves it.
"He's a really nice character."
Sky Sports F1's Bahrain GP schedule
Friday, March 29
8.25am: Formula 2 Practice LIVE!
10.45am: Bahrain GP, Practice One Build-up (Simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event)
11am: Bahrain GP, Practice One LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event)
1.45pm: Formula 2 Qualifying LIVE!
2.45pm: Bahrain GP: Practice Two Build-up (Simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event)
3pm: Bahrain GP: Practice Two LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event)
5pm: Bahrain GP: The Story So Far LIVE!
Saturday, March 30
10am: Formula 2 Race One LIVE!
11.45am: Bahrain GP Practice Three Build-up
12pm: Bahrain GP Practice Three LIVE!
1.10pm: Paddock Walkabout LIVE!
2pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying Build-up (Simulcast on Sky One)
3pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky One)
4.30pm: The F1 Show LIVE!
Sunday, March 31
12.10pm: Formula 2 Race Two LIVE!
2pm: The F1 Show Repeat (Simulcast on Sky One)
2.30pm: Bahrain GP Pit Lane LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky One)
3.30pm: Bahrain GP On The Grid LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky One)
4.10pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky One)
6pm: Bahrain GP Paddock LIVE! (Simulcast on Sky One)
7pm: Bahrain GP Race Replay
Sky Sports F1 is the home of live and exclusive F1 - and new and existing customers in the UK can now get the channel for just £10 extra a month, our best-ever offer. Find out more here to watch the 2019 season live
