Mick Schumacher, the son of F1 icon Michael Schumacher, opened up about the hurdles and inspirations that have influenced his journey in racing. Following in his father’s iconic footsteps, Mick spoke about the need to “find his own path” in F1 after his father’s skiing accident limited the mentorship he once relied on.
Seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher endured severe injuries in a tragic skiing accident in December 2013, when his son Mick was only 14. The incident reshaped their lives, requiring Mick to forge much of his racing career on his own. Even so, years later, Mick continues to draw on his father’s teachings, frequently reflecting on both his father’s fierce determination and the invaluable guidance he once provided.
In a new book, Inside Mercedes F1, author Matt Whyman, who was granted full access to the team, shared a conversation with Mick Schumacher about the lasting impact of his father’s influence.
The 25-year-old told Whyman: “I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did. “He was really supportive and a lot of fun, but could also be challenging. One time in a karting race I braked very late going into a corner and gained a lot of time. When I told him about it, he said, ‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’. Whenever he felt like I was not taking it seriously, he would say, ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we do not need to do all of this.”
“I was determined to race, and he said, ‘Alright, then let’s do it the right way,’” Mick recalled, adding that they then began competing more in European karting, where his skills improved. Mick also shared that he learned “many technical aspects” from his father, knowledge he “continues to rely on today.”
Mick Schumacher opens up about memories with his father in new book 'Inside Mercedes #F1'.
"I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did. I started karting aged three. I was six when I first went scuba diving. Aged 10 I was skydiving."
[1/6]#KeepFightingMichael pic.twitter.com/N3fYAmdzl9
— M. Schumacher Fans (@MSchumacherFans) November 8, 2024
At just 14 when his father’s accident occurred, Mick continued to chase his F1 dreams largely on his own. He spent two seasons racing with Haas before joining Mercedes as a reserve driver in 2023, the same team his father had raced with during his comeback.
While Mick continues to fight for a place in a F1 team, his father is receiving the highest level of care from his wife Corinna Schumacher. Since the accident, Schumacher has not made any public appearances or statements. However, it’s reported that he recently made a private appearance at his daughter’s wedding, held at the family’s £27 million estate in Majorca.
Read More: What Happened to Michael Schumacher in 2013? Details of the Horrifying Skiing Accident
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
