Michael Schumacher tribute: Son Mick’s emotional response to poignant event
MICK Schumacher has paid a moving tribute to his father, and motor racing legend, Michael, as he aims to follow in his father’s illustrious footsteps, saying he thinks about the seven-times world champion’s achievements “more every day”.
Formula One: Mick Schumacher's first Ferrari test in Bahrain
Michael Schumacher, who has been living in seclusion ever since he sustained serious head injuries in a skiing accident five years ago, remains a source of huge inspiration to 20-year-old Mick, who is currently driving in the Formula 2 championship, and who has made no secret of his desire to move up to Formula 1 eventually. On Sunday, Schumacher Jr, the reigning Formula 3 European Champion took his father’s Ferrari F2004 - the car with which the German became world champion 15 years ago - for a test drive prior to qualifying for the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim.
What my father did was extraordinary, and I recognise that more and more every day
It was clearly an emotional moment, with the young driver saying afterwards: “On top it is also the car my dad drove, which makes it even more special.
“What my father did was extraordinary, and I recognise that more and more every day.
“He was where I want to go, he never stopped questioning himself and getting better and better because of it.”
Mick also revealed he regularly watches videos of his father’s races for inspiration.
He said: “I try to get every detail that seems important to me out of it.”
Mick admitted it had been “torture” waiting to go and drive his father’s car for the first time.
He added: “I just wanted to go out and I just wanted to drive.
“Obviously having to wait, even in front of the pit exit, was more like torture.
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“I just wanted to turn the light myself and go out.
“Going out of the pitlane and coming into the pitlane I never lost a smile. It was always on my face.
“Even when I was locking up, I was smiling! It was really cool.”
He admitted the experience had been even more enjoyable because he was using his father’s original seat.
DON'T MISSHe said: “It was great. It was amazing to be able to drive the car around here especially.
“It was my dad’s seat and I fitted perfectly. So that even made it greater.”
Michael Schumacher dominated the sport for more than a decade, smashing numerous records along the way, including most Grand Prix wins (91), most fastest laps (77) and most races won in a single season (13).
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Ever since his accident, which happened in the French Alps on December 29, 2013, Schumacher Sr has received specialist treatment at his home in Switzerland.
The exact nature of his injuries has never been revealed, with his wife Corinna fiercely protective of his privacy.
However, speaking yesterday, former Ferrari boss Jean Todt said the 50-year-old was making “good progress” as he bids to regain his health, and still watched F1 on television.
He told Radio Monte-Carlo: “I’m always careful with such statements, but it’s true.
“I saw the race together with Michael Schumacher at his home in Switzerland.
“Michael is in the best hands and is well looked after in his house. He does not give up and keeps fighting.”
(Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg)