Mick Schumacher in focus as F1 starts

Manama (Bahrain), March 27

The Formula One calendar kicks off tomorrow with the Bahrain Grand Prix, and the focus, apart from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, would be on Mick Schumacher when he makes his F-1 debut.

Mick, son of seven-time world champion Michael, will drive for US team Haas in the season-opening race. Schumacher (22) earned his chance by winning the Formula 3 European championship in 2018 and the Formula Two title last year.

His famous name has helped make it easier for Haas to find funding, but the young German’s longer-term career plan seems tied with Ferrari. He is part of the academy at Ferrari, where his father won five world titles. Haas and Ferrari each pay half of Mick Schumacher’s salary and, if he proves himself, he seems likely to race for Ferrari at some stage. — Agencies