Mick Schumacher has signed a “multi-year contract” with US-based Team Haas and will partner Russian driver Nikita Mazepin next season.
Mick, the son of Michael Schumacher leads the F2 series heading into the final round this weekend.
“The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy,” said a delightful Schumacher.
He thanked Haas and Ferrari for their “trust”, adding: “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.”
“A huge thank you must also go to all the great motorsport fans out there who have supported me throughout my career. I will give it my all, as I always do, and I look forward to going on this journey together with Haas F1 and them.”
Gunther Steiner, gaffer of team Haas attributes Schumacher’s rise to his performance in Formula 2, saying he “earned the opportunity”.
Coincidentally, Schumacher’s first F1 race will happen next year, on the 30th anniversary of his father’s entry to the sport back in 1991, at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Michael Schumacher enjoyed an illustrious career becoming the most successful driver of all time by winning 91 Grand Prix and a record seven World Championships, before having his win record surpassed by Lewis Hamilton with 95 and World Championships record equaled by the same man with seven apiece.
Michael has not been seen since sustaining serious injuries to his head in a skiing accident seven years ago, and the 52-year-old’s medical condition remains unknown.
Mick’s career has been groomed by his father’s manager Sabine Kehm who has helped ease him through the ranks while shrugging off his shoulders as much as possible, the burden of the inevitable public interest he attracts even as a young driver due to his father’s success.
Mick has described his father Michael as “my idol and very special” saying comparisons were “never a problem” for him.
The 21-year-old clinched the European Formula 3 championship in 2018, made his F2 debut last season, winning a race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while also clinching two races so far in 2020.
Schumacher currently holds a 14-point lead with two races to go, heading into this weekend’s round at the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain.
The best thing you can do for your child is to be an example he’ll like to follow
Greatness runs in this family