Mick Schumacher will race in Formula 1 next season, joining the Haas team alongside Nikita Mazepin it’s been confirmed.
The German follows in the footsteps of his father, seven-time world champion Michael, after a steady rise up the ranks, claiming the European F3 title in 2018 and currently sits 14 points ahead in the F2 standings with one round to go.
News of his promotion had been expected for some time, with initial rumours placing Schumacher at Alfa Romeo when he was set to drive in FP2 for the team at the Nurburgring.
However, after Antonio Giovinazzi was re-signed, a move to Haas was seen as the most likely option when they announced both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen would be leaving.
And 24 hours after Mazepin was revealed, Schumacher is also now official.
“The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless,” the 21-year-old said.
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“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.”
The Schumacher name will return to the F1 grid for the first time in nine years, after Michael retired for the second time at the end of 2012.
And commenting on this new signing, Haas boss Guenther Steiner said: “I’m very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver lineup for next season and 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 and I look forward to Mick’s contributions both on and off the track in that process.”