Schumacher name returning to F1 reminds Brawn of "tragedy of Michael's accident"

Sam Hall
Thursday 17 December 2020 04:00

Formula 1 managing director motorsports Ross Brawn has conceded it is emotional for him to see the Schumacher name back in the sport as it reminds him "of the tragedy of Michael's accident".

Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time champion Michael, will race his rookie year with Haas in 2021, ending a nine-year absence for the family from F1.

In 2013, after retiring from the sport for a second time a year earlier, Schumacher suffered a head injury while skiing. The extent of the German's condition is unknown.

For Brawn, who worked with Michael in each of his seven title-winning years and latterly at Mercedes, seeing 21-year-old Mick in F1 has triggered old memories.

Asked on the F1 Nation podcast if Mick's Haas announcement was emotional for him, Brawn said: “Very much so.

"I think it just reminds us of the tragedy of Michael’s accident because how wonderful it would have been if Michael was able to participate in that.

“None of us knows how much Michael is able to understand but if he'd been part of that - and let’s hope and pray that one day he might be - that would be very special."

To mask his identity and ease the pressure, Mick began his racing career using the surname 'Betsch', the maiden name of his mother, then switching to 'Mick Junior' before revealing his true identity when stepping up into car racing in 2015.

Brawn, who revealed to first meeting Mick at his father's karting centre at Kerpen "16 or 17 years ago", added: "Mick is doing an amazing job under those circumstances and with that famous name.

“It opens doors but it also brings a lot of weight with it as well. The whole family is a great family, a lovely family and I really hope Mick can succeed.”