Schumacher notes difference: "That's something you feel very strongly"

Mick Schumacher had the chance to show himself today during the first free practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The young German will drive for the American team starting next year.

Schumacher replaced Kevin Magnussen for FP1. The brand new Formula 2 world champion immediately showed what he can be worth to the team, as his fastest lap was no less than three seconds faster than Pietro Fittipaldi, who raced for Romain Grosjean. He drove a total of 23 laps, finishing in 18th place.

After the session, Schumacher looks back on his debut in Formula 1 with satisfaction. "I think everything went pretty well today. I just have to get used to the speed of the car compared to Formula 2, but I am happy that everything went well. All the buttons and all the changes to the car felt comfortable," he says on the Haas website.

"When we went to the soft tire, I felt the difference very much. The difference in tire compound is something you feel very strongly, it really was a leap up. It was cool, a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to getting back in for the test on Tuesday," said Schumacher.