Mick Schumacher to drive dad Michael’s Mercedes in emotional event as F1 star looks forward to ‘spectacular’ ride
THE Schumacher name will return to the seat of a Mercedes after it was announced Mick Schumacher will drive his father’s old Formula One car.
Michael Schumacher made a U-turn on his retirement by joining the Silver Arrows from 2010 until 2012.
The car he drove in 2011 – the W02 – is set to return to the track at next months Goodwood Festival of Speed.
And it has now been announced by Mercedes that reserve driver Mick will be in attendance at the event for the first time.
On the chance to drive the car once raced in by his father, he said: “It’s going to be spectacular to run in my dad’s 2011 car, the W02, even if it is only a short run.
“Just experiencing this generation of cars will be mega. Knowing that he raced this car makes it extra special, and there will be many emotions coming with it.
“I have been lucky enough to drive one of his Benetton cars and some of the Ferrari‘s he raced.
“But this will be the first time behind the wheel of a Mercedes he drove. I am sure I will get out of it with a big smile on my face.”
Schumacher, 24, lost his place with Haas on the F1 grid last season after scoring just 12 points.
He drew praise from Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for his work in helping to prepare Mercedes before their first double-podium of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
And he will likely be in the simulator a lot in coming weeks as Mercedes prepare to bring two new upgrades, including a “big one” at Silverstone.
The W02 was the second car designed and built by the Brackley-based constructor following their buyout of Brawn – who won the Constructors title in 2009 with Jenson Button winning the drivers title.
It was a regular points scorer en route to a fourth placed finish in the constructors standings that season, with Schumacher scoring 76 points and 2016 champion Nico Rosberg 89.
Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year