Breaking news: Mick Schumacher follows father Michael into F1 with Haas 2021 drive

Mick Schumacher is to follow his father into Formula 1 after being confirmed as a Haas driver for the 2021 season.

It means Haas now has an all-rookie driver line-up for next season after Nikita Mazepin was announced on Tuesday.

Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael and who currently leads the F2 championship, said: “The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless.

"I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me.

"I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents – I know that I owe them everything.

"I have always believed that I would realise my dream of Formula 1. A huge thank you must also go to all the great motorsport fans out there who have supported me throughout my career

" I will give it my all, as I always do, and I look forward to going on this journey together with Haas F1 and them.”

Schumacher, who has signed a multi-year agreement with the team, gets an early run out in the VF-20 in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before participating in the end of season young driver test at Yas Marina Circuit, Tuesday December 15.

Team principal Guenther Steiner said: "Im very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver lineup for next season and I look forward to welcoming him into the team.

“The Formula 2 Championship has long served as a proving ground for talent to showcase their credentials and this year’s field has undoubtedly been one of the most competitive in recent seasons.

"Mick has won races, collected podiums and excelled against some pretty exceptional talent in 2020.

“I firmly believe he’s earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performances.

"We have an opportunity ahead of us, as a team, to evaluate and nurture a new driver given our familiarity with our race package heading into 2021.

"We are putting in place our building blocks for the continued long-term growth of the team and I look forward to Mick’s contributions both on and off the track in that process.”

Schumacher goes into the final round of the F2 season with a 14-point lead in the standings from fellow Ferrari Academy driver Callum Ilott after claiming three wins and eight other podium finishes.

Schumacher started his journey in the 2015 ADAC F4 Germany series before progressing to the F3 European Championship, winning the title in 2018 courtesy of eight victories, and then joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2019.

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has described Schumacher as "a talented youngster" who will "now be able to make steady progress" with Haas while still being supported by Ferrari.

Binotto added: "He is in a long -term relationship with Ferrari and we will be following his progress all the time, both as a driver and a person.

"Mick’s arrival in Formula 1 is further proof of the efficacy of the FDA in helping young drivers progress and we can’t wait to see him behind the wheel."

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