Mick Schumacher steps up to Formula 4

BERLIN: Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael, will be switching teams for the forthcoming Formula 4 season, it was announced on Friday.
The 16-year-old, who had a single victory in his debut season last year and finished tenth overall while racing for Dutch side Van Amersfoort Racing, will race for Italian team Prema Powerteam for the 2016 season, which starts in April.
It has yet to be decided whether Schumacher Jr. will race in Germany’s Formula 4 championships or the Italian Formula 4 series, which both cater for junior drivers.
Angelo Rosin, Prema’s team boss, said he was delighted to have a promising talent with a famous name in his ranks.
“We always kept an eye on him, because he was a perfect prospect for Prema. He is quick, smart, determined and likes to work hard with the team in the quest for the highest possible level of performance,” said Rosin.
If Schumacher races in the German championships, he could well face his uncle Ralf Schumacher, with the ex-Formula One pilot set to run the HTP Junior Team in the German Formula 4 series.
Schumacher Jr., who turns 17 next month, is looking forward to working with his new team.
“For me, Prema Powerteam is the perfect next step on my way to go for the best performance and to become a complete driver,” said the German teenager.
“The team is very experienced and open, and everybody is really good in working closely with us drivers.
“It already is a lot of fun to work with the team.”