Schumacher Jr. reignites father's legacy with F4 debut

Following in the exalted footsteps of his father, Formula 1 legend Michel Schumacher, Mick made his pre-season test debut in Formula 4 on Wednesday, his first step towards single-seater racing.

The 16-year-old, son of seven-time F1 World Champion Michael, drew huge media interest at the Oschersleben circuit here as he drove his Van Amersfoort car, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The teenager began karting seven years ago and this year reached German Formula 4 -- a racing category used as a stepping stone by junior drivers to higher levels of international racing.

While this was the first time the public were able to check out Mick in action as his pre-season practice didn't quite go to plan as he was involved in a 100 mph crash last month. However, the crash was minor and Mick walked away from the accident uninjured.

His father, who is still recovering from a December 2013 life threatening ski accident at his home in Switzerland, has won a record 91 races in F1.

Mick's boss Frits van Amersfoort said the youngster will need time.

"Of course we know that his father is a seven-time World Champion. But I want to emphasise that Mick will take the time to learn the trade of the racing driver," he said.

Mick signed a contract with van Amersfoort Racing to drive in Formula 4 in March and links up with teammate Harrison, the son of the Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.

He finished second in the world, European and German kart championships last season.