Haas have announced that Mick Schumacher will drive for the team in 2021 Formula One season.
Confirmation of Schumacher’s drive comes after yesterday’s announcement that Nikita Mazepin will race for the team next season, as both drivers replace the outgoing Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean.
Speaking on his promotion to F1, the Ferrari junior said; “The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless.”
Schumacher placed on record his thanks to Haas, Ferrari and Ferrari’s Driver Academy for the capability of “placing their trust in me” with the seat after a strong season in Formula Two, where he currently leads Callum Ilott by 14 points heading into this weekend’s final round of the campaign.
Acknowledging his father and seven-time F1 champion – Michael, Schumacher said; “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.”
On his aims within F1, Schumacher said; “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 make his F1 debut in FP1 at Abu Dhabi with Haas whilst Robert Shwartzman will get a run out at Alfa Romeo as initially planned despite Schumacher and Ilott seeing their F1 debuts in FP1 at Eifel GP ruined by weather conditions.
Haas Team Principal, Guenther Steiner is “very pleased” to have been able to confirm Schumacher, thus completing Haas’ 2021 driver lineup and looks “forward to welcoming him into the team.”
Steiner proceeded to describe F2 as the “proving ground for talent to showcase their credentials…” whilst praising the German’s consistency in collecting 10 podiums, including two Feature Race victories in Monza and Sochi to put himself on course for the title.
The 55 year-old boss therefore admitted that Schumacher had “earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performance” whilst adding that the familiarity with their car heading into 2021 gives them an opportunity to evaluate and nurture both Schumacher and Mazepin.
Steiner also added that Haas are still a team in progress, saying; “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.”
Grosjean Discharged from Hospital
Grosjean has been discharged after spending three nights in hospital receiving treatment on ‘minor burns to the back of his hands and ankles, with Haas confirming in a statement that the Frenchman will continue to receive ‘private treatment’ and will remain in Bahrain whilst his injuries continue to be medically treated.
On his Twitter feed, Grosjean confirmed that he no longer needs full dressings and can now use his fingers again, posting;
My right hand this morning. The happiness I had when I was told that I didn’t need the full dressing anymore and could use my finger was huge. Almost cried. A victory on my way to recovery pic.twitter.com/QuZojM1mZe
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) December 2, 2020
Grosjean also tweeted a message to Schumacher congratulating the German on securing a F1 seat for next season, referring to his Haas team as ‘lecons’ who will give back 1000% effort if looked after well enough.
Welcome in F1 Mick. You will be racing with some incredible leçon in the team. Look after them and they will give it back to you at 1000% https://t.co/q9KXXgGQCc
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) December 2, 2020
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