MICK SCHUMACHER says he is ready to carry on his father’s legacy in Formula One as he nears his debut season.
The son of seven-time world champion Michael, has joined the Haas team for 2021 as part of his affiliation with the Ferrari young driver programme.
Mick, 21, won the Formula 2 title last year and is carving out his own racing career.
And he says he can cope with the pressure of having a famous father.
He said: “The name? I have never said that it is pressure, and I am pretty sure I will never say that because I am very happy to carry that name back into Formula One.
“I am very proud of it. It is a boost for me and it gives me motivation every single day to work as much as I can and work as hard as I can.”
Mick was skiing with his dad when he suffered his accident on December 29, 2013.
He is guarded about his dad’s current health and the family remain highly secretive about the former racer’s condition as he resides at their family home in Switzerland.
Mick has previously stated that his father is his idol and, as he closes in on his F1 debut at the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 28, he is showing a similar determination.
He added: “The first Bahrain race took place in 2004 and my father won there, so I definitely have good memories of that.
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“There is a corridor which runs to the track that is filled with memories. My dad is on there which is nice to see and very special.
“I am looking forward to getting underway now and getting out on track and eventually getting to do my first race in F1 which sounds great and feels great so I am really looking forward to my first season.
“I will try to improve in every aspect – that is what I want to do – and I will work my arse off for that and give everything I have.
“I want to start the season on a high and carry on everything I have learned over my past years and use it on a higher level.”
