Kevin Magnussen will step aside for Mick Schumacher in FP1 in Abu Dhabi in order for the newly-signed Haas driver to make his grand prix weekend debut.
Schumacher, who last weekend secured the 2020 Formula 2 championship, will get his first opportunity to trial Haas’ VF-20 in practice for the season-ending round at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Schumacher was set to drive for Alfa Romeo in FP1 at the Nürburgring but that run was cancelled due to bad weather.
He has since secured a multi-year deal with Haas and will participate in FP1, as well as next week’s young driver test, ahead of his 2021 debut.
“Coming from a weekend like the last one, there’s only very few things to imagine which could be better than winning a championship – but then, having a weekend ahead, being a proper part of a F1 team and getting to drive the FP1 would probably count,” said Schumacher.
“I’m still really excited having won the F2 championship, and that excitement doesn’t stop knowing I’ll be with Haas next year, and that I’ll be driving for them for the first time on Friday.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know all of them, getting to understand how they approach and undergo a race weekend and starting this journey together with Haas here in Abu Dhabi.
“I will soak in everything I can to the maximum, taking this weekend as a preparation for the experience to come next year.
“The good thing is that I don’t have to be concerned about the weather this time, so I am confident I will go out during FP1, and I am very much looking forward to sharing the track with such great drivers.”
Pietro Fittipaldi will stay on in place of Romain Grosjean for the duration of the Abu Dhabi weekend.
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