GLORY DAYS ‘YEARS AWAY’ FOR SCHU JR

HAAS team boss Guenther Steiner is sure Mick Schumacher will deal with the pressure of carrying his father’s legacy in Formula One.

But Steiner admits we will have to wait a few years to see if he has inherited the seven-time world champion’s talent.

The name Schumacher returns to the F1 grid this season, and with it comes enormous pressure on the 22-year-old rookie, son of Michael.

Haas have a new line-up this season, with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin stepping up into his first season in F1.

But all eyes will be on Formula 2 champion Mick (above), who is about to experience a debut like no other.

“The excitement in Germany is huge. I say Germany because obviously he is from there, but it’s worldwide because his father was such a great driver, he won seven championships,” said Steiner.

“I know it was an era, but he came from nowhere and won a lot so, for sure, it’s a brand that comes back. A lot of people just recognise it and go back to watch it again.”

Until last year, Schumacher Snr (above) was the most successful grand prix driver in history.

And not only does Mick carry his surname but, this season on the timing screens, fans will see a familiar three letters, ‘MSC’, rather than ‘SCH’ – a nod to his father’s legacy.

However, Steiner admitted it was too early to say if we will see any glimpses of his father’s skills just yet.

“He has got talent, because he won Formula 2, because otherwise he wouldn’t be with us,” said Steiner.

“Michael was a world champion with two different teams – he was an exceptional talent.

“You get one of these guys every 20 or 30 years.

“Let’s hope Mick has got that same talent, but it’s too early to say and times have changed.

“But for sure he has talent, how big it is – we will find out not in the next weeks, but the next years.”

“I think he will deal OK with it (the legacy). His father didn’t come in and win a race in the first year.

“The fans will be impatient to see him winning, but it will take some time.”