Last update:09 November 2024, 15:05 IST

Mick Schumacher has revealed how he had to “find his own feet” after his father’s skiing accident reduced the guidance and support he once had.

F1 driver Mick Schumacher (photo AFP)

Mick Schumacher, son of Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher, has spoken about the challenges and inspirations that have defined his racing career. Mick, who followed in his legendary father’s footsteps, revealed how he had to “find his feet” in Formula 1 after his father’s skiing accident reduced the guidance and support he once had.

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher suffered life-changing injuries in a tragic skiing accident in December 2013 when Mick was just 14. The accident changed their lives, leaving Mick to navigate independently for much of his professional racing journey. But even now, years later, Mick follows his father’s lessons, often recalling both his father’s competitive spirit and his challenging guidance.

“I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did,” said Mick in the latest insight shared via Matt Whyman’s new book Inside Mercedes F1.

“My dad was always very open to me trying anything I wanted to do, and racing is all I wanted to do because I enjoyed it the most.”

Mick described the balance his father struck between encouragement and demanding excellence, recounting a memorable go-kart race where he tried a daring brake to save time. Michael’s response was not just a compliment, but a challenge. “‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’ Such moments, Mick said, taught him the importance of commitment and precision in racing. Whenever she felt they were not taking her seriously, she would say: “Mick, would you rather go play football with your friends?” If so, we don’t have to do all this. I insisted that I wanted to compete and he said: “Okay then let’s do it right.”

However, that all changed in 2013, a year before Mick entered Formula classes. With his father no longer able to guide him through the critical transition from karting to more competitive racing, Mick faced new challenges. “Then my dad had the accident,” he said. “I started racing in the Formula classes a year after that and from that point I had to find my own feet.”

Mick’s talent and stamina eventually led him to F1, where he joined the Haas team in 2021. He made his F1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing 16th. Over the course of two seasons, Mick gained invaluable experience, but found himself navigating the harsh realities of the sport alone.

After his time with Haas, he became a reserve driver for Mercedes while pursuing opportunities in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. He continues to use his father’s teachings, building on the technical knowledge and endurance he learned from Michael.

Despite his drive and achievements, Mick’s hopes of a 2024 return to F1 were recently dashed when Sauber, now owned by Audi, picked up 18-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – IANS)

Location:

London, United Kingdom (UK)