Schumi’s son Mick makes Formula 4 test debut

MICK SCHUMACHER made his official pre- season test debut in Formula 4 yesterday as he took his first steps towards single-seater racing in 2015.

The 16-year-old, son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael, drew huge media interest to the Oschersleben circuit in Germany as he drove his Van Amersfoort car.

The young protege began karting seven years ago, and this year reached the German Formula 4 – a racing category used as a stepping stone by junior drivers.

While this was the first time the public were able to check out Mick, pictured left, in action in his new car, his pre-season practice didn’t quite go to plan as he was involved in a 160km/h crash last month.

However, German newspaper Bild reported that the crash was minor and Mick walked away from the accident uninjured.

His father, who is still recovering from a December 2013 skiing accident at his home in Switzerland, has won a record 91 races in Formula 1, and Mick’s boss Frits van Amersfoort says the youngster will need time. “Of course we know that his father is a seven-time world champion,” he said. “But I want to emphasise that Mick will take the time to learn the trade of the racing driver.”

Mick signed a contract with Van Amersfoort Racing to drive in the Formula 4 in March, and links up with team-mate Harrison Newey, the son of the Red Bull designer Adrian.

He finished second in the world, European and German kart championships last season.