Bernie Ecclestone says Mick Schumacher has ‘heavy burden’ of dad Michael’s name
Bernie Ecclestone has said that Mick Schumacher carries the "heavy burden" of his dad Michael's last name.
The German driver is set to be absent from the Formula One starting grid in 2023 after leaving Haas at the end of last season following two years with the team. Schumacher will instead act as a reserve driver for Mercedes behind Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for the upcoming campaign, which begins next month.
In an interview with German outlet Bild, former F1 chief Ecclestone has discussed the pressure Schumacher has been under due to the success his dad had in the sport.
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"The burden of his name is heavy," admitted Ecclestone. "Living up to its name is its biggest problem. It will be difficult for him to find a cockpit. Especially one in which he can win. I'm sorry!"
Michael Schumacher is considered by many to be the greatest ever F1 driver, having won a record seven world championships during his illustrious career.
However, the retired German driver sustained a serious head injury in a skiing accident in 2013 which has limited the impact he can have on his son's career.
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Ecclestone added: "With all his experience, Michael could have given his son so many details. He would have shown him the right way, in terms of driving, but also politically."
Schumacher started his F1 career in 2021 as he made his debut for Haas, who he stayed with for two years, amassing 12 points from his 43 starts.
All 12 of those points came last season as Schumacher finished 16th in the Drivers' Championship, with his best finish coming at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth.
Despite not being able to secure a starting seat for this season, he remains confident he will be back on the grid in 2024. Schumacher told reporters earlier this month: "There's obviously no guarantee, but I'm in a comfortable position where I feel I can learn, I can extract the maximum from this year even though I'm not driving.
"But with the results I've shown in the junior categories, but also in F1, I'm sure there will be opportunities. Over the winter a few people have already mentioned that there is interest, so in that sense I'm not too worried."
The 2023 F1 season is set to get underway on March 5 with the Bahrain Grand Prix from the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
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