Looks like racing is the family business.
The 15-year-old son of German Formula One legend Michael Schumacher has signed his first professional racing contract, the Dutch team van Amersfoort confirmed Monday. "We have seen his skills in testing and we are looking forward to a successful season," the team said in a statement.
Michael Schumacher — who won seven F1 championships — is recovering from a serious skiing accident in December 2013 that had put the star in a months-long coma. Van Amersfoort has been "highly interested" in signing the racing legend's son "for quite a while," the team's chief executive, Rob Niessink, told NBC News.
"Mick is very excited about this new challenge, it is a next big step in his racing career,” Niessink added.
Mick Schumacher is scheduled to participate in his first race at the end of April in the newly-established ADAC Formula 4 class — a single-seater category aimed at young drivers with a background in karting. The teen will race other drivers in his age group but will also face older competitors in cars that often reach speeds of 136 mph, Niessink said.
IN-DEPTH
- F1 Legend Schumacher Is Heading Home
- Schumacher 'Not In a Coma Anymore,' Leaves Hospital
- Schumacher 'Awakening' After Serious Ski Crash
