MICK SCHUMACHER will follow in his father’s footsteps by racing in Formula One next season.
The German is the son of seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher, and will drive for the American-owned British-based Haas team.
Schumacher is currently leading the Formula 2 championship with a 14-point lead over Callum Ilott and can clinch the title this weekend in Bahrain.
The 21-year-old will partner fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin, the son of a Russian billionaire, who was confirmed yesterday.
Schumacher shared his joy at the news, 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.
“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.”
Haas boss Guenther Steiner added: “I’m very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver lineup for next season.
“I look forward to welcoming him into the team.
“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.
“We are putting in place our building blocks for the continued long-term growth of the team.
“I look forward to Mick’s contributions both on and off the track in that process.”
Meanwhile, current Haas driver Romain Grosjean has been released from hospital following his fiery smash in last Sunday’s Bahrain GP.
A statement said: “Romain Grosjean was discharged from the care of the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital at 10.30am local time Wednesday.
“Grosjean spent three nights in hospital following Sunday’s incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“He will continue private treatment for the burns suffered on the back of his hands and will remain in Bahrain for the time being.
“On behalf of Romain Grosjean and the entire Haas F1 Team we extend our thanks to all who have tended to him at the BDF Hospital.”
