Schumacher set for Goodwood outing with father's F1 Mercedes

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Mick Schumacher will run up the hill at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed onboard his father's 2011 Mercedes W02 F1 machine.

The 24-year-old Mercedes reserve driver has previously driven several cars – from Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari - raced by his legendry father during his career.

But his outing at Goodwood will be Schumacher's first experience at the wheel of a period Silver Arrows.

In 2011, Michael Schumacher undertook the second of his three seasons in F1 with Mercedes, with Nico Rosberg completing the Brackley squad's line-up back then.

The five-time F1 world champion's fourth-place finish in the Canadian Grand Prix was his best result onboard the Mercedes W02. It was also the best performance achieved by the team that year.

"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 Schumacher, who will enjoy his first participation in the FOS classic event. "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.

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"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."

©Mercedes

Schumacher, who was dropped by Haas at the end of last year after completing two seasons with the US outfit, was picked up by Mercedes and nominated as the team's reserve driver for 2023.

But the German still ambitions to return to the grid, hopefully next season. In Canada last weekend, he said that he was "working very hard" to try and secure a race seat for 2024.

"Believe me, I’m working very hard to hopefully be back in the car soon," he told German broadcaster RTL.

"I’m sure something will develop in the near future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.