Son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher stepping up from F2 next season, where he could clinch the title this weekend; Mick Schumacher signs multi-year deal and will be team-mate to Nikita Mazepin in all-new Haas rookie line-up.

The long-awaited announcement means the Schumacher name is returning to F1 after a nine-year absence. Mick’s father Michael won seven world titles during a legendary career, which ended in 2012.

Schumacher will make his Haas – and F1 weekend – debut in Friday practice at next week’s Abu Dhabi GP. He will then drive the VF-20 in the young driver test at the same circuit the following Tuesday.

“The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless,” said Schumacher, who has signed a multi-year deal.

“I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me. I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents – I know that I owe them everything. I have always believed that I would realize my dream of Formula 1.

“A huge thank you must also go to all the great motorsport fans out there who have supported me throughout my career. I will give it my all, as I always do, and I look forward to going on this journey together with Haas F1 and them.”

Team boss Guenther Steiner said: “Mick has won races, collected podiums and excelled against some pretty exceptional talent in 2020.

“I firmly believe he’s earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performances. We have an opportunity ahead of us, as a team, to evaluate and nurture a new driver given our familiarity with our race package heading into 2021.

“We are putting in place our building blocks for the continued long-term growth of the team and I look forward to Mick’s contributions both on and off the track in that process.”

Schumacher will partner Mazepin, the Russian driver, and is just 20 days Mick’s elder. Mazepin has claimed two F2 victories this season and is currently third, while he has completed F1 test days in the past with Racing Point and Mercedes.