Ilott gets Alfa Romeo test, Schumacher expected to make F1 debut with Haas

Callum Ilott will take part in the post-season rookie test with Alfa Romeo, amid growing expectation that Mick Schumacher will make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2021.

On Thursday Alfa Romeo announced it will run Ferrari Academy Driver Ilott in the young driver test at the Yas Marina Circuit following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. 

Ilott, who drove for Alfa Romeo last year during in-season testing at Barcelona, was set to make his F1 practice debut earlier this season with Haas at the Eifel Grand Prix before poor weather caused both Friday sessions at the Nurburgring to be cancelled.

Ferrari had previously confirmed that it is planning to run its three-highest placed juniors in Formula 2 in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, and it has announced that 2019 Formula 3 champion Robert Shwartzman and Antonio Fuoco will share duties driving its SF1000. 

F2 championship leader Schumacher has been tipped to earn a graduation to F1 next year with Haas, potentially alongside rival Nikita Mazepin after the American squad opted to axe both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen for 2021.

Alfa Romeo’s choice of driver for the post-season test running is the latest indication that Schumacher will get one of the Haas seats.

Schumacher was initially thought to be in the running for an Alfa Romeo drive but the Swiss squad has since confirmed an unchanged line-up consisting of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur said: “Callum is one of the most promising young drivers coming through the ranks, as his performance in F2 has shown this year.

“He was unlucky to miss out on a chance to show his ability last month, when FP1 was called off at the Nürburgring, so he thoroughly deserves his outing with the team in Abu Dhabi.

“His attitude and work ethic have left a very positive impression with the team when he tested with us last year and testing with him in Abu Dhabi is something we are really looking forward to.”

Ilott heads into the final four races of the 2020 F2 season in Bahrain trailing Schumacher in the standings by 22 points.

The Briton is yet to confirm his plans for next year but previously suggested he is unlikely to stay in F2 for a third campaign.