Mick Schumacher signs F1 contract with Haas

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher, was confirmed yesterday to be joining Haas F1 Team for the 2021 sea- son onwards.

Haas have signed the German to a multi-year agreement to be- come part of its all-new driver line-up.

Schumacher will get an early start on his preparations as a full-time F1 driver, driving the team’s VF-20 in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 11, before participating in the end-of-season young driver test at Yas Marina Circuit on December 15.

The 21-year-old has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and currently leads the Formula 2 title race heading into the final round of the season this weekend. It is his sophomore campaign with Prema Racing in F2, during which he has netted 10 podium finishes to date, including a pair of stand-out Feature Race victories at Monza and Sochi.

“I’m very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver line-up for next season and I look forward to welcoming him into the team,” stated Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

“I firmly believe he’s earned the opportunity to graduate into F1 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 and I look forward to Mick’s contributions both on and off the track in that process.”

Schumacher joins Haas with six seasons of open-wheel racing under his belt. Schumacher had his first taste of contemporary Formula 1 cars in April of 2019, participating at the in-season test in Bahrain testing with both Scuderia Ferrari and Alfa Romeo Racing across the two days.

“The prospect of being on the F1 grid next year makes me in- credibly happy and I’m simply speechless,” stated Schumacher upon his confirmation. “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.”