Haas F1 driver Mick Schumacher has said he is not feeling any additional pressure to live up to his historic surname as he prepares to make his debut at the top tier of motorsport this season.
Speaking to journalists including RacingNews365.com after the reveal of the team’s new car design for 2021, Schumacher said the expectations placed on him and comparisons with his father, seven-time world champion Michael, were a source of motivation rather than pressure.
“I would never say that (the surname) brings pressure and I’m pretty sure I won’t ever say that because I am very happy to carry that surname and that name back into Formula 1 and I’m very proud of it,” he said.
“It’s like a boost to me and it gives me motivation every single day to work as much as I can and as hard as I can.”
On his relationship with Ferrari, with whom the driver remains contracted as a junior, Schumacher confirmed that they remained in contact and would be there in the background to support his rookie season in the sport.
“Obviously we have different things that we do together such as simulator driving and Ferrari Driver Academy activities and also working with the Ferrari staff.
“So definitely the connection is there, I’m still an FDA driver so it’s great to have that backup and help from the background to support me in my first F1 season.”
Schumacher also said he was looking forward to competing with his fellow rookie teammate, Russian Nikita Mazepin, and said he was sure his teammate was just as hungry for success as he is.
“In this case I see myself and how hungry I am for the season and how I want to do well, and I’m pretty sure that Nikita is the same.
“Now we have two very hungry drivers and drivers that are pushing for every little detail and eventually that is what is going to bring the team forward and that is what we really want to do.”
