“From then on I had to do everything myself”
Mick Schumacher talks about his relationship with his father Michael
Updated 11/12/2024 – 7:44 pmReading time: 2 min.
Mick Schumacher: When his father Michael had an accident, he was 14 years old. (Source: IMAGO/Eibner press photo/Annika Graf/imago-images-bilder)
In 2013, Michael Schumacher had a serious accident and has been living away from the public ever since. His son Mick now reports how the incident affected him.
Michael Schumacher suffered life-threatening head injuries in a serious skiing accident in Méribel, France, in 2013. Since then, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has lived away from the public and little is known about his health. Friends and family members rarely provide insight.
Accordingly, it was a great surprise that the son of Michael Schumacher, Mick, now shares private memories of his father in the book “Inside Mercedes F1” with the author Matt Whyman. “I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did too,” says the 25-year-old, adding: “My dad always gave me permission to try something on whatever I wanted, and I didn’t always want Racing because it was fun for me.”
Michael Schumacher always supported his son, emphasized Mick Schumacher, who is also a professional racing driver: ”He was a great support and we had a lot of fun. But he could also be challenging.” Among other things, he repeatedly taught him important lessons: “When I was in a kart race I broke very late in a curve and gained a lot of time as a result. When I told him about it, he said: ‘You should be banning like that in every curve!’
The now 55-year-old also encouraged his son to be disciplined: “When he felt I wasn’t taking him seriously, he said: ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we must not do all that.”
However, Mick Schumacher soon had to let go of his father’s advice and support. When Michael Schumacher had an accident while skiing, his son was 14 years old. From that point on everything was different: “The year after my father’s accident I started driving in the single seat class, and from then on I had to do everything myself.”
Title: An Insightful Exchange: Mick Schumacher Reflects on His Journey and His Father’s Legacy
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special interview on Time.news. Today, we’re honored to have Mick Schumacher join us, who has graciously opened up about not only his journey as a young driver but also about the profound impact his father, Michael Schumacher, has had on his life. Mick, thank you for being here.
Mick Schumacher: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be able to share my thoughts and experiences.
Time.news Editor: Your relationship with your father is central to your story. After his tragic accident in 2013, how did that shape your own journey both personally and professionally?
Mick Schumacher: It was a pivotal moment in my life. I was only 14 when the accident occurred. At that time, I had to learn to navigate the world without my father’s presence in the way I had grown accustomed to. Everything changed. I had to do everything myself, and while it was incredibly challenging, it also pushed me to grow up quickly and find my own path in motorsport.
Time.news Editor: That must have been incredibly tough. You mentioned that you had to do everything yourself. Could you elaborate on what that meant for you in those formative years?
Mick Schumacher: Absolutely. Being in the motorsport world, especially with a father like Michael, there were always high expectations—not just for me but for the family as a whole. After the accident, I realized I could not rely solely on my father’s legacy. I had to build my own identity, make my own name in racing, and that involved putting in a lot of hard work and dedication.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a significant burden, yet also a catalyst for personal growth. What lessons from your father’s career do you carry with you in your racing?
Mick Schumacher: My father taught me the importance of resilience, focus, and the value of teamwork. He was not just a brilliant driver; he was someone who inspired his team. I always strive to reflect that, to be a strong teammate and to never lose sight of the bigger picture, even when things get tough on the track.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring, Mick. Speaking of teamwork, how do you think your father’s experience has influenced your relationships with your own team members?
Mick Schumacher: It plays a huge role. I’ve learned to foster a collaborative environment. Building trust within the team is essential. When everyone is working towards a common goal, the outcomes are undoubtedly better. I always remind myself of how much my father valued the people around him and how crucial they were to his success.
Time.news Editor: As you continue your career, what message would you like to share with fans and aspiring drivers who look up to you?
Mick Schumacher: I want them to understand that while the journey can be daunting, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Embrace the struggle, don’t shy away from it. My father’s journey, though marked by triumphs, is now also a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. It’s okay to forge your own path and define your own legacy.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mick. Your reflections are truly profound. We’re grateful for your openness in sharing your experiences—both the highs and the lows. As you continue to honor your father’s legacy while building your own, we look forward to following your journey in racing.
Mick Schumacher: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to talk about these important aspects of my life.
Time.news Editor: And to our listeners, thank you for joining us today. Stay tuned for more stories and insights that keep you connected to the world of sports and beyond.