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Friday, October 09, 2020, 17:57
Schumacher Jr at F1 doorstep causes excitement
By Xinhua
Friday, October 09, 2020, 17:57 By Xinhua

Alfa Romeo's German driver Mick Schumacher inspects the circuit ahead of the Formula One - Eifel Grand Prix at the Nuerburgring circuit in Nuerburg, western Germany, on Oct 8, 2020. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

BERLIN - For good reason, the racing world's eyes this weekend turn to Germany's venerable racing course, the Nurburgring located in the Eifel region south of Cologne.

Schumacher Junior is determined to make a name for himself, instead of living on behalf of his prominent name

The talk is about 21-year-old Mick who has felt the burden of being compared to his father, the seven times world champion and Formula 1 record holder Michael Schumacher (51).

The family's name is traditionally attracting attention after Michael had won admirers' hearts in a red Ferrari.

Now fans can't wait to see another emerging star to enter the stage in an Alfa Romeo in Friday's free training session.

First reports speak of the current Formula 2 driver getting offered a seat in Formula 1 for next year's racing series. Rumors talk of Alfa Romeo signing the young German aside from Kimi Raikkonen.

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"I am overjoyed to get this chance in free practice. The fact my first participation in a Formula one weekend will take place in front of my home audience at the Nurburgring makes this moment even more special," the 'little Schumacher' stated.

The famous son is the 2020 Formula 2 racing series leader.

The new chapter seems to stand for an important milestone after having to compete in the shadow of his popular father over a decade, who disappeared from the public after an accident in 2013 and is treated in privacy.

"Being compared to the best driver in F1 history is the goal you want to achieve. To have that as my idol and father is very special," Mick commented.

His manager points out that he deserves to get promoted due to his qualities instead of his famous name.

"If I were still in charge in F1, I would take the opportunity to get him," said the former Mercedes racing boss Norbert Haug, talking about Mick's outstanding talent.

Schumacher Junior is determined to make a name for himself, instead of living on behalf of his prominent name.

He admits to entering a new world as "it is a significant step from Formula two to one. We speak about a time difference of 11 to 12 seconds."

Mick called it the most giant step in his career so far.

"It is the first time in front of all managers, the CEOs, and teams with all their experienced drivers," he said. The young German promised to concentrate on his qualities and "do what I like best".

READ MORE: Mick Schumacher 2nd fastest in F1 test debut for Ferrari

His mother, Corinna, claims the father's achievements have never been a burden.

"He loves his father, he admires him. It's not a load on his shoulders. He does what he loves most and doesn't compare himself with Michael," she emphasized.

The prospect of a Schumacher returning to Formula one nearly 20 years after Michael Schumacher made his debut in 1991 is not only in Germany greeted enthusiastically.

It took the father only three years to win his first world champions title in 1994. Many predict his son is to follow in his footsteps sooner or later.

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