Formula One is set to have a Schumacher on the driver’s grid next season with Mick, son of Ferrari great and seven-times world champion Michael, announced on Wednesday as a race driver for the American-owned British-based Haas team.
Schumacher is currently leading the Formula 2 championship by 14 points from Callum Ilott and can clinch the title this weekend in Bahrain.
The 21-year-old German who has signed a multi-year deal, will partner fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin, the son of a Russian billionaire, who was confirmed yesterday.
The pair replace Frenchman Romain Grosjean, currently recovering from a fiery crash in the Bahrain Grand Prix last Sunday, and Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen.
“The prospect of being on the Formula One grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless,” said Schumacher.
“I have always believed that I would realize my dream of Formula One.
“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.”
Schumacher will be in the car next week with Haas slotting him in for Friday first practice at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He will also take part in a young driver test at Yas Marina on 15 December.
“I’m very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver line-up for next season,” Haas boss Guenther Steiner said.
“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.”
Michael Schumacher retired in 2012 after a three-season comeback with Mercedes.
The Ferrari great has not been seen in public since suffering severe head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013.
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.”
