Mick Schumacher: Michael’s son ‘super excited’ ahead of ‘emotional’ F1 debut at Bahrain GP

Mick Schumacher has said he is ready for an “emotional” Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, 30 years after his father Michael Schumacher competed in his first season in the sport.

Schumacher will start on the back row of the grid following Saturday’s qualifying session, one place ahead of Haas teammate Nikita Mazepin in 19th place.

His father Michael won seven World Championships across a glittering 20-year career in the sport, including five titles in a row at Italian giants Ferrari.

“As a child, I’ve been dreaming about this for 15 years – and now it’s actually happened,” Schumacher, 22, said following pre-season testing earlier this month.

“It’s emotional. My father actually had his first race in Formula 1 30 years ago this year – that makes it even more emotional and even nicer.

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“Obviously, I’m super excited about the first race in Bahrain. The fact that I’m in Formula 1– it feels so amazing.

“I’m so happy that I’m finally there, finally able to race with everybody, and to show my potential working with a great team. I will learn and improve as a driver and as a human.”

Michael Schumacher remains in rehabilitation after suffering a serious head injury in a skiing accident in 2013.

His son Mick, who will race under the same ‘MSC’ abbreviation that his father used, joined Haas after winning the Formula 2 title last year, but is expected to struggle for points in one of the slower cars on this year’s grid.