#ForzaSchumi: Mick Schumacher makes his F4 Debut

Mick during pre-season testing at Oberschleben, Germany

Mick Schumacher, the son of sporting god Michael, made his Formula 4 Debut today. The 16-year-old was driving for Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing in the race at Oberschleben, Germany.Beginning his karting career in 2008, Mick has just progressed to the ADAC Formula 4. Prior to this race, he drove under his mother Corinna’s maiden name of Betsch to evade the attention brought on to him by his famous surname.

The young man carries the weight of the legacy of what is arguably the most stellar racing career in the history of racing bar Ayrton Senna. His surname precedes him, which at this stage of his career is a difficult cross to bear. Mick, whose facial features are reminiscent of his iconic father, will no doubt be well-versed with the inner workings of the sport, and have a long history with practice.

Starting at 19th position, Mick ended the race in 9th, winning the ‘Best Rookie Driver’ award in addition.

Michael Schumacher was skiing with then-14-year-old Mick at Meribel in the French Alps in December 2013 when, despite wearing a ski helmet, he suffered a severe head injury while skiing off-piste. Placed in a medically induced coma shortly thereafter, Michael was ‘gradually awakened from his coma’ by doctors in January. Statements released sporadically by Michael’s longtime publicist and manager Sabine Kehm have indicated Michael shows “moments of consciousness and awakening.”

With a long way ahead of him in his career, Mick will no doubt face endless comparisons to the father he loves and doubtless reveres. His run at the races is only just beginning – and so far, it shows promise. Hopefully Mick can have his own independently successful career, managing the significant burden of the hurt of his father’s accident and past achievements, and fulfil his own aspirations.

Perhaps there may even be another Schumacher at the Prancing Horse someday.

Here’s wishing Mick luck for a newly accelerating career.

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Edited by Staff Editor