<p>Mick Schumacher will race for Alpine in the world endurance championship next season while continuing as Formula One reserve driver for Mercedes. Alpine announced the 24-year-old German, son of seven-times F1 world champion Michael, on Wednesday as one of six drivers competing for them in two A424 Hypercars. Schumacher will join French drivers Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Charles Milesi and Paul-Loup Chatin as well as Austrian Ferdinand Habsburg.</p>

<p>Mercedes confirmed separately that the German, who raced for Haas in Formula One in 2021 and 2022, would continue as their reserve. "A new chapter is beginning for me with Alpine," said Schumacher. "I've grown up with single-seaters so driving a car with a closed cockpit and covered wheels is a great opportunity to hone my driving skills. "I sorely missed racing this year. It's what I've loved to do since I was a kid and it was sometimes difficult to watch the other drivers take to the track."</p>

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<p>Alpine said the crew line-up for the two cars would be announced on Feb. 7. The season, whose highlight is the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, starts in Qatar in March. Williams is the only team left in Formula One still with a potential vacancy for 2024.</p>


Mick Schumacher will race for Alpine in the world endurance championship next season while continuing as Formula One reserve driver for Mercedes. Alpine announced the 24-year-old German, son of seven-times F1 world champion Michael, on Wednesday as one of six drivers competing for them in two A424 Hypercars.

Mick Schumacher will race for Alpine in the world endurance championship next season while continuing as Formula One reserve driver for Mercedes. Alpine announced the 24-year-old German, son of seven-times F1 world champion Michael, on Wednesday as one of six drivers competing for them in two A424 Hypercars. Schumacher will join French drivers Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Charles Milesi and Paul-Loup Chatin as well as Austrian Ferdinand Habsburg. Mercedes confirmed separately that the German, who raced for Haas in Formula One in 2021 and 2022, would continue as their reserve. "A new chapter is beginning for me with Alpine," said Schumacher. "I've grown up with single-seaters so driving a car with a closed cockpit and covered wheels is a great opportunity to hone my driving skills. "I sorely missed racing this year. It's what I've loved to do since I was a kid and it was sometimes difficult to watch the other drivers take to the track." Also read: Tennis: Finland eliminate reigning champions Canada in Davis Cup Alpine said the crew line-up for the two cars would be announced on Feb. 7. The season, whose highlight is the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, starts in Qatar in March. Williams is the only team left in Formula One still with a potential vacancy for 2024.

Motor racing: Mick Schumacher set to race for Alpine in world endurance

<p>Mercedes announced former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, on Thursday as their&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;reserve for next season. Schumacher, whose Ferrari great-father also raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, will attend every Grand Prix as back up for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. "Mick is a talented young driver and we're delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver," said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement. "We also know that with two years of experience racing in&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-extends-formula-1-deal-saudi-arabia-to-kickoff-2024-season-543369">Australia extends Formula 1 deal, Saudi Arabia to kickoff 2024 season</a></strong></p>

<p>Ferrari earlier announced they had mutually decided not to extend their relationship after four years together. Schumacher won the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;Two title in 2020 after joining the Ferrari young driver programme in 2019. He debuted with Ferrari-powered Haas in 2021 and was also a Ferrari reserve last season. He left&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;with 12 points and the highest finish of sixth after 43 starts. "I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me," said Schumacher. "F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team."</p>


Mercedes announced former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, on Thursday as their Formula One reserve for next season. Schumacher, whose Ferrari great-father also raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, will attend every Grand Prix as back up for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Mercedes announced former Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, on Thursday as their Formula One reserve for next season. Schumacher, whose Ferrari great-father also raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, will attend every Grand Prix as back up for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. "Mick is a talented young driver and we're delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver," said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement. "We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula One under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise." Also read: Australia extends Formula 1 deal, Saudi Arabia to kickoff 2024 season Ferrari earlier announced they had mutually decided not to extend their relationship after four years together. Schumacher won the Formula Two title in 2020 after joining the Ferrari young driver programme in 2019. He debuted with Ferrari-powered Haas in 2021 and was also a Ferrari reserve last season. He left Formula One with 12 points and the highest finish of sixth after 43 starts. "I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me," said Schumacher. "F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team."

Mick Schumacher becomes part of Mercedes as Formula One reserve driver

<p>Sebastian Vettel has backed friend and fellow German Mick Schumacher to replace him at Aston Martin when the four times Formula One world champion retires at the end of the season. Vettel, 35, announced his retirement on Thursday with immediate speculation about who might be his successor alongside Canadian Lance Stroll at the British-based team.</p>

<p>"I do have my opinion. I mean, I think very highly of Mick," Vettel told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the August break. "I`m obviously not entirely objective, because I`m very close to him. But I do think he`s a great driver. And he`s a learner, he keeps learning when others sort of stall, or stop making progress," he added of the 23-year-old.</p>

<p>"So he does have a lot of qualities, but he`s also very young still, and doesn`t have a lot of experience."<br />
Vettel said that the decision was for the team to make but he would "not hold back" his opinion if asked. The German is close to the Schumacher family, with Mick`s father, the seven times world champion and Ferrari great Michael, a boyhood hero of Vettel`s.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/four-time-world-champion-sebastian-vettel-announces-retirement-says-his-goals-have-shifted-501434"><strong>Four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel announces retirement, says his goals have shifted</strong></a></p>

<p>Schumacher senior has not been seen in public since he suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013. Vettel has taken on something of a mentor role for Mick since his compatriot joined the Ferrari-powered Haas team in 2021 after winning the Formula Two title.</p>

<p>The Ferrari-backed driver has taken time to open his account, unable to score a point last year but finishing eighth and sixth in Britain and Austria this season. Schumacher is out of contract at the end of the year.</p>


Sebastian Vettel has backed friend and fellow German Mick Schumacher to replace him at Aston Martin when the four times Formula One world champion retires at the end of the season.

Sebastian Vettel has backed friend and fellow German Mick Schumacher to replace him at Aston Martin when the four times Formula One world champion retires at the end of the season. Vettel, 35, announced his retirement on Thursday with immediate speculation about who might be his successor alongside Canadian Lance Stroll at the British-based team. "I do have my opinion. I mean, I think very highly of Mick," Vettel told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the August break. "I`m obviously not entirely objective, because I`m very close to him. But I do think he`s a great driver. And he`s a learner, he keeps learning when others sort of stall, or stop making progress," he added of the 23-year-old. "So he does have a lot of qualities, but he`s also very young still, and doesn`t have a lot of experience." Vettel said that the decision was for the team to make but he would "not hold back" his opinion if asked. The German is close to the Schumacher family, with Mick`s father, the seven times world champion and Ferrari great Michael, a boyhood hero of Vettel`s. ALSO READ | Four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel announces retirement, says his goals have shifted Schumacher senior has not been seen in public since he suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013. Vettel has taken on something of a mentor role for Mick since his compatriot joined the Ferrari-powered Haas team in 2021 after winning the Formula Two title. The Ferrari-backed driver has taken time to open his account, unable to score a point last year but finishing eighth and sixth in Britain and Austria this season. Schumacher is out of contract at the end of the year.

Sebastian Vettel backs compatriot Mick Schumacher to replace him at Aston Martin after end of season

<p>Mick Schumacher, son of Formula1 legend Michael Schumacher, suffered a horrific crash during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday (March 26).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Schumacher crashed heavily into a concrete barrier at high speed and was airlifted to the hospital for precautionary checks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The son of a seven-time world champion lost control of his Haas car after appearing to clip a kerb at Turn Nine and then went straight into the wall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A sigh of relief, as the 23-year-old German driver insisted that he is 'OK' but he will not take part in Sunday's Saudi Arabian GP. Haas confirmed Mick has been released from the hospital and has returned to his hotel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The driver himself tweeted later: "Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I'm ok. Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great @HaasF1Team, we'll come back stronger."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crash was so impactful, two wheels were torn away from the car during the Q2 session. A medical crew arrived to take him from his badly damaged car to the medical centre at the Jeddah Street Circuit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, he was conscious and speaking. He was reported to have been able to remove his own gloves as he departed in an ambulance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've heard that Mick is conscious, out of the car and currently on his way to the medical centre," tweeted the Haas team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The session was red-flagged after the estimated 240kh accident in which the rear of the Haas car was split away from the main body.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mick Schumacher will miss the Saudi Arabian GP after a huge accident in qualifying.<br />
<br />
That Mick is physically well after the crash is another reminder of the strength and safety of modern F1 cars for which we are incredibly thankful<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabianGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/qhLcw0elb7">pic.twitter.com/qhLcw0elb7</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1507821363158990848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Haas said they will run just one car in Sunday's race with Kevin Magnussen carrying their hopes. "Schumacher was taken to the trackside medical centre following a significant accident at Turn 12," said Haas in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After his assessment revealed no injuries, he was transferred to King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah for precautionary checks. The team has subsequently taken the decision to contest the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with the sole entry of Kevin Magnussen," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m ok🙏<br />
Thank you for the kind messages.<br />
The car felt great <a href="https://twitter.com/HaasF1Team?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@haasf1team</a>, we’ll come back stronger❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Mwpy0767kN">pic.twitter.com/Mwpy0767kN</a></p>
— Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) <a href="https://twitter.com/SchumacherMick/status/1507830580339253249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m ok🙏<br />
Thank you for the kind messages.<br />
The car felt great <a href="https://twitter.com/HaasF1Team?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@haasf1team</a>, we’ll come back stronger❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Mwpy0767kN">pic.twitter.com/Mwpy0767kN</a></p>
— Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) <a href="https://twitter.com/SchumacherMick/status/1507830580339253249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We can confirm that Mick has been released from hospital and has returned to his hotel.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaasF1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaasF1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabianGP</a></p>
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaasF1Team/status/1507836219689951241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Mick Schumacher, son of Formula1 legend Michael Schumacher, suffered a horrific crash during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday (March 26). Schumacher crashed heavily into a concrete barrier at high speed and was airlifted to the hospital for precautionary checks.

Mick Schumacher, son of Formula1 legend Michael Schumacher, suffered a horrific crash during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday (March 26). Schumacher crashed heavily into a concrete barrier at high speed and was airlifted to the hospital for precautionary checks. The son of a seven-time world champion lost control of his Haas car after appearing to clip a kerb at Turn Nine and then went straight into the wall. A sigh of relief, as the 23-year-old German driver insisted that he is 'OK' but he will not take part in Sunday's Saudi Arabian GP. Haas confirmed Mick has been released from the hospital and has returned to his hotel. The driver himself tweeted later: "Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I'm ok. Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great @HaasF1Team, we'll come back stronger." The crash was so impactful, two wheels were torn away from the car during the Q2 session. A medical crew arrived to take him from his badly damaged car to the medical centre at the Jeddah Street Circuit. As per reports, he was conscious and speaking. He was reported to have been able to remove his own gloves as he departed in an ambulance. "We've heard that Mick is conscious, out of the car and currently on his way to the medical centre," tweeted the Haas team. The session was red-flagged after the estimated 240kh accident in which the rear of the Haas car was split away from the main body. Watch the video here: Mick Schumacher will miss the Saudi Arabian GP after a huge accident in qualifying. That Mick is physically well after the crash is another reminder of the strength and safety of modern F1 cars for which we are incredibly thankful#SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/qhLcw0elb7 — Formula 1 (@F1) March 26, 2022 × Haas said they will run just one car in Sunday's race with Kevin Magnussen carrying their hopes. "Schumacher was taken to the trackside medical centre following a significant accident at Turn 12," said Haas in a statement. "After his assessment revealed no injuries, he was transferred to King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah for precautionary checks. The team has subsequently taken the decision to contest the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with the sole entry of Kevin Magnussen," the statement added. Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m ok🙏 Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great @haasf1team, we’ll come back stronger❤️ pic.twitter.com/Mwpy0767kN — Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) March 26, 2022 × Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m ok🙏 Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great @haasf1team, we’ll come back stronger❤️ pic.twitter.com/Mwpy0767kN — Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) March 26, 2022 × We can confirm that Mick has been released from hospital and has returned to his hotel.#HaasF1 #SaudiArabianGP — Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 26, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Mick Schumacher accident: Son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher suffers horrific crash, airlifted to hospital

<p>Mick Schumacher's famous name may have helped him to accelerate through motor racing's lower levels, but it will also add pressure when he makes his Formula One debut on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mick, son of seven-time world champion Michael, will drive for US team Haas in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.</p>

<p>Schumacher, 22, earned his chance by winning the Formula Three European championship in 2018 and the Formula Two title in 2020.</p>

<p>His famous name has helped make it easier for Haas to find funding, but the young German's longer-term career plan seems clear.</p>

<p>Mick is part of the academy at Ferrari, where his father won five of his seven world titles.</p>

<p>Haas and Ferrari each pay half of Mick Schumacher's salary and, if he proves himself, he seems destined to eventually race in the famous red of the Maranello-based company.</p>

<p>"The name Schumacher is a brand, but it is a brand linked to the first name Michael," Herve Bodinier, a sports marketing professional and Formula 1 expert, told AFP.</p>

<p>"Ferrari and the others are not patrons, Mick will have to write his own story."</p>

<p>A thick veil of mystery surrounds the current health of Michael Schumacher.</p>

<p>The 52-year-old has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, witnessed by Mick, left the Formula One legend with severe brain injuries.</p>

<p>Now, 15 years after his father last raced for Ferrari, Mick will bring one of the most famous names in motorsport back to Formula One.</p>

<p>The hype has been building for weeks.</p>

<p>According to a survey, 35 percent of Sky Germany's subscribers say they will watch more Formula One if Mick Schumacher is at the wheel.</p>

<p>The German broadcaster has based its entire pre-season advertising around the German, who turned 22 last Monday.</p>

<h2>- Family footsteps -</h2>

<p>"His arrival is already a boost for Formula One, his name is attracting a lot of attention, and the whole series is benefiting from it," admitted Stefano Domenicali, the Formula One boss who is close to the Schumacher family.</p>

<p>However, Schumacher has been warned that his surname carries extra pressure.</p>

<p>"It's not easy to be a 'son of'," 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who won the Formula One title 34 years after his father Keke Rosberg, told Sport1.</p>

<p>"At the beginning the media attention on him will be even bigger than on (defending champion) Lewis Hamilton."</p>

<p>Since his first laps in karting, the media have always taken an interest in Schumacher.</p>

<p>He came through the ranks of Formula Three and Two shielded by a management team who made it taboo for reporters to ask about his father's health.</p>

<p>"He has forged a shell, he has a good family and has turned his dramatic story into a strength," said Bodinier.</p>

<h2>- "Give him time" -</h2>

<p>Being a Schumacher has helped.</p>

<p>"His name certainly opens doors for him," said Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director and close friend of the Schumacher family, "but it also puts a lot of pressure on him, without a doubt."</p>

<p>On the down side, the extra attention has the potential to rob Schumacher of the space and time needed to develop at the top level.</p>

<p>"He deserved this promotion. He has reached the level of a Formula One driver by his own strength, not because of his name," said Domenicali.</p>

<p>"Now we have to give him time to grow, to learn... and to follow a normal progression curve."</p>


Mick Schumacher's famous name may have helped him to accelerate through motor racing's lower levels, but it will also add pressure when he makes his Formula One debut on Sunday.

Mick Schumacher's famous name may have helped him to accelerate through motor racing's lower levels, but it will also add pressure when he makes his Formula One debut on Sunday. Mick, son of seven-time world champion Michael, will drive for US team Haas in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Schumacher, 22, earned his chance by winning the Formula Three European championship in 2018 and the Formula Two title in 2020. His famous name has helped make it easier for Haas to find funding, but the young German's longer-term career plan seems clear. Mick is part of the academy at Ferrari, where his father won five of his seven world titles. Haas and Ferrari each pay half of Mick Schumacher's salary and, if he proves himself, he seems destined to eventually race in the famous red of the Maranello-based company. "The name Schumacher is a brand, but it is a brand linked to the first name Michael," Herve Bodinier, a sports marketing professional and Formula 1 expert, told AFP. "Ferrari and the others are not patrons, Mick will have to write his own story." A thick veil of mystery surrounds the current health of Michael Schumacher. The 52-year-old has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, witnessed by Mick, left the Formula One legend with severe brain injuries. Now, 15 years after his father last raced for Ferrari, Mick will bring one of the most famous names in motorsport back to Formula One. The hype has been building for weeks. According to a survey, 35 percent of Sky Germany's subscribers say they will watch more Formula One if Mick Schumacher is at the wheel. The German broadcaster has based its entire pre-season advertising around the German, who turned 22 last Monday. - Family footsteps - "His arrival is already a boost for Formula One, his name is attracting a lot of attention, and the whole series is benefiting from it," admitted Stefano Domenicali, the Formula One boss who is close to the Schumacher family. However, Schumacher has been warned that his surname carries extra pressure. "It's not easy to be a 'son of'," 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who won the Formula One title 34 years after his father Keke Rosberg, told Sport1. "At the beginning the media attention on him will be even bigger than on (defending champion) Lewis Hamilton." Since his first laps in karting, the media have always taken an interest in Schumacher. He came through the ranks of Formula Three and Two shielded by a management team who made it taboo for reporters to ask about his father's health. "He has forged a shell, he has a good family and has turned his dramatic story into a strength," said Bodinier. - "Give him time" - Being a Schumacher has helped. "His name certainly opens doors for him," said Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director and close friend of the Schumacher family, "but it also puts a lot of pressure on him, without a doubt." On the down side, the extra attention has the potential to rob Schumacher of the space and time needed to develop at the top level. "He deserved this promotion. He has reached the level of a Formula One driver by his own strength, not because of his name," said Domenicali. "Now we have to give him time to grow, to learn... and to follow a normal progression curve."

Spotlight on Schumacher as famous name returns to Formula One