SAKHIR – Mick Schumacher followed in his famous father’s footsteps on Tuesday as he completed 56 laps at the wheel of a Ferrari during a Formula One testing session in Bahrain.
The 20-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher got his first full experience of driving an F1 car at the start of a two-day test at the Sakhir circuit.
With his mother Corinna and grandmother watching on, he posted a best lap of 1min 29.976sec – a time second only to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during a session cut short by rain.
“I really enjoyed today. It felt like home in the garage from the very first moment, with a lot of people that know me since I was very young,” said Schumacher.
“The SF90 (model) is incredible because of the power it has, but it is also smooth to drive, and that’s why I enjoyed myself so much.”
A Schumacher. A Ferrari. @SchumacherMick drives out for the first time for @ScuderiaFerrari #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/xGnrYBCUsr
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2019
Fernando Alonso was also among the 15 drivers who took part. The Spaniard quit the sport at the end of last season, but is carrying on for McLaren in an advisory role.
Following his European Formula 3 title last year, Mick Schumacher made his Formula 2 debut on the same track at the weekend, finishing eighth and sixth in the two races.
He joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in January, entering into a partnership with the team that helped his father win five F1 championships.
That's the end of @SchumacherMick's first test in the #SF90! Finishing the day in P2 with a best time of 1:29.976!
Check out more stats below! 🔽 #essereFerrari🔴 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Xz1jhbIH3D
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 2, 2019
He is also due to have a run in an Alfa Romeo on Wednesday.
Michael Schumacher suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013, and has remained in private care ever since the incident.
Any first F1 test is special for the driver 🙏
This one is for a lot of you, too 👏 @SchumacherMick on track in the @ScuderiaFerrari #F1🐎 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/xpS1xxTX0T
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2019