Mick Schumacher using his father’s tips as he nears Formula One career. Mick is using tips given to him by his father .

Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher has confirmed that he is using tips given to him by his father as he pursues a career in Formula One.

Seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in 2013 left the German with severe brain injuries, but FIA president Jean Todt said last week that the 51-year-old is “following” his son’s racing career.

And, speaking in a new RTL documentary about his career, Mick said advice from his father has been crucial in getting him to where he is today.

“Of course I use some of my father’s tips, even from my karting days,” the Formula 2 driver said – “At the same time, we are obviously different people and had different experiences in the junior classes. And you have to drive the cars differently today, too. We have a Formula 2 car that weighs 780 kilos, the cars back then weighed 500 kilos. But, nevertheless, of course there are some similarities.”

Haas are expected to announce Mick as part of their F1 team for 2021 in the coming days.

But the 21-year-old isn’t getting carried away, knowing that his father’s achievements will be difficult to replicate. Michael Schumacher’s record, having surpassed the German’s race-win record earlier in the season. But Michael is still seen by many as the sport’s greatest ever driver.

“What he did was extraordinary,” Mick said. “I realise that more and more every day.”