Mick Schumacher in emotional tribute to dad Michael and Mercedes' classy gesture

13 July 2023 , 18:04

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Michael Schumacher drove the Mercedes W02 during the 2011 F1 season (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Mick Schumacher will wear his father's helmet and overalls when he gets behind the wheel of his Mercedes W02 Formula 1 car this weekend.

Michael Schumacher won his first two F1 titles with Benetton and the other five as a Ferrari driver. But arguably his most tangible legacy is the Mercedes team which he helped to establish on the grid in the twilight of his racing career.

Michael drove for the Silver Arrows in their first three seasons on the grid, between 2010 and 2012. Sadly, just a year after he retired, he suffered the horror skiing accident from which he is still recovering today.

His son Mick has been able to pay homage on many occasions thanks to his own racing career. And his latest tribute is due to come at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The iconic event is already under way and comes to a climax this weekend. And one of the headline events will see young Schumacher take the W02 up the hill in West Sussex on both Saturday and Sunday.

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His seven-time world champion father and Nico Rosberg drove the car in the 2011 F1 world championship. While neither won a race in the car, it was an important step on the team's journey from its infancy in the sport to becoming the dominant force on the grid between 2014 and 2021.

And, to make it even more special, Mick is going one step further on his mission to pay homage to his father. During his runs up the hill, he will also wear the same Mercedes overalls and iconic red helmet that Schumacher Snr wore when he raced for the team.

"It's going to be spectacular to run in my dad's 2011 car, the W02, even if it is only a short run,” said the 24-year-old. "Just experiencing this generation of cars will be mega.

"Knowing that he raced this car makes it extra special, and there will be many emotions coming with it. I have been lucky enough to drive one of his Benetton cars and some of the Ferraris he raced, but this will be the first time behind the wheel of a Mercedes he drove.

"I am sure I will get out of it with a big smile on my face." The car still runs with the naturally-aspirated V8 engine it used in the world championship, prior to the introduction of hybrid engines in F1, so the run is set to sound just as spectacular as it will look.

Daniel Moxon