Racing dynasties are nothing new but could we be seeing the start of a new one as Mick Schumacher follows his father Michael and uncle Ralf into the Formula 1 ranks?
The Haas team today announced that it has signed current F2 championship leader Mick Schumacher on a multi-year deal starting in 2021. He will join Nikita Mazepin as Haas renews its full drive line-up for next season, saying goodbye to Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.
&width=1600)
Schumacher, 21, is currently 14 points clear in the F2 title race, with one race remaining in Bahrain this weekend. In only his second season in F2, Schumacher has amassed two wins and 10 podium finishes. The 21-year-old began his open-wheel career in the German ADAC F4 series in 2015, before progressing to F3 where he won the 2018 championship.
Graduating to F2 the following year Schumacher joined the Ferrari Driver Academy and tested with both the Prancing Horse and the Alfa Romeo teams. The driver will now have an FP1 session with Haas at the final race at Abu Dhabi F1 followed by end-of-season testing at the same venue.
&width=120&fastscale=false)
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner said: “The Formula 2 Championship has long served as a proving ground for talent to showcase their credentials and this year’s field has undoubtedly been one of the most competitive in recent seasons. Mick has won races, collected podiums and excelled against some pretty exceptional talent in 2020.
“I firmly believe he’s earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performances. We have an opportunity ahead of us, as a team, to evaluate and nurture a new driver given our familiarity with our race package heading into 2021.
&width=120&fastscale=false)
Schumacher confirmed the appointment, saying: “The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless.
“I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me. I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents – I know that I owe them everything. I have always believed that I would realize my dream of Formula 1.”
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.
Get closer to motorsport at Goodwood! Join the GRRC Fellowship to be first in the queue for event tickets, to attend the GRRC-only Members' Meeting and to enjoy year-round, exclusive benefits.
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)