Mick Schumacher Opens Up About The Pressure And Expectations Of Carrying The Family Name

The Mercedes reserve driver has spoken about following in his father, Michael Schumacher's footsteps.

Mick Schumacher has recently opened up about the challenges he faces as a young driver with one of the most famous surnames in motorsport. Being the son of Michael Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion and one of the greatest drivers of all time, Mick admits that he feels the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

Following his father's footsteps, Mick started his racing career in karting in 2008, and has since worked his way up the ranks to the FIA Formula 3 Championship and then to Formula 2. In 2020, he became the Formula 2 champion while driving for Prema Racing.

Mick's dream of following in his father's footsteps and racing for Ferrari came true when he joined Haas in 2021 and 2022. As a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, he was always groomed to make his way onto the F1 grid, but his career took a hit when Haas announced the end of their partnership with Mick, leaving him without a seat on the grid for the 2023 season.

Currently serving as the reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren, Mick is keen to find a permanent seat again. However, he admits that his famous surname can be both a blessing and a curse in his racing career. While it has opened doors for him, it also means that he is constantly under scrutiny and expectations are high.

During the recent release of the Netflix documentary Drive To Survive Season 5, Mick reflected on the pressures he faces as a Schumacher, saying that he feels the need to constantly prove himself on the track. Despite the challenges, Mick remains committed to his dream of becoming a world champion and continuing his father's legacy in the sport. Schumacher explained:

“We knew this would be difficult, and it is.

“I think it's a matter of using that pressure in a way that can motivate me. I'm doing my best. And I'm still convinced I can hopefully collect some points. I mean, everyone has to prove themselves, right?

“My name is, for me at least, only a blessing. Some people might say it is a curse as well, but I raced my way to it, and I deserve to be in Formula 1.

“I'm definitely proud of myself that I haven't stopped trying. And I will prove everybody wrong. There is so much going on in your mind. In some ways, time slows down. I know what I can do.”