F1 News
Schumacher reveals why he chose to race under his mother's name
Mick Schumacher is having a meteoric rise to the top of motorsport as he continues his development in Formula 2 this season. The German has revealed why he chose to race under his mother's name during his early racing days.
Having won the Formula 3 title in 2018, Schumacher stepped up to F2 for 2019 and won his first race at the Hungaroring. Although it hasn't always been plain sailing this season it looks inevitable that Mick will be in a Formula 1 car within a few years.
During his early racing days, Mick used to race under his mother's name to avoid all the hype which came with the Schumacher name. Now Schumi Jr has admitted it helped him in his development.
“I would say that it is rather an advantage for me," Schumacher told the Road to F1 podcast.
"Before I entered the Formula series, I always used my mother's name or "junior." That ensured that the hype was somewhat suppressed and that I had the time to develop. From the moment I drove in the Formulas, it was a good time to consider putting my real name on the car.
“Did I drive with more freedom when I had my mother's name on the car? I wouldn't call it that. If photos were taken I was always the person who kindly asked if they would not do that so that we could safeguard privacy.
"It also gave me the opportunity to learn at my own speed. That was very positive for me."