Ten years after his father completed his final season in the series, David Schumacher will make his DTM debut in a third car for Team Winward.
The 20-year-old will compete alongside reigning champion Maximilian Götz and multiple-time race winner Lucas Auer, both Mercedes-AMG factory drivers. He makes the switch from Formula 2, where he raced for Charouz, Carlin and Trident and scored one race win and two additional podiums.
The German has already undergone a test session in sportscar machinery late last year and will undergo further testing when he joins his new team for the first pre-season test at Portimao.
“The two car categories are worlds apart,” Schumacher said. “Only because of the considerably higher weight, the GT3 requires a much smoother driving style than the single-seater. Initially, the ABS was a real shock for me, I didn’t know that from a race car at all. Still, I quickly felt at ease in the Mercedes-AMG GT3. It really is a joy to drive.”
“I am aware that I have to learn a lot to hold my own in this unbelievably high-class race series.“My goal for the first year is to get used to the race car and to take in the many details that are important in DTM.
“With Lucas and Maximilian, I have two vastly experienced teammates towards whom I can orientate myself.”
With the move into the German series, the youngest Schumacher ventures into the footsteps of his father and uncle. Ralf Schumacher spent five seasons in the series from 2008 following the conclusion of his Formula One career.
Michael Schumacher briefly raced in the series between 1990 and 1991 before his legendary stint in F1. Much like David, both drivers competed in Mercedes machinery.
“We all know how high the level in DTM is, so from that perspective, his maiden season in this very tough competitive environment can be nothing but a learning year,” added team boss Christian Hohenadel.
“With all our experience, we will be supporting him as much as we can. I am convinced that David will be bringing us a lot of joy with his talent, his diligence and his team spirit. There is no doubt that he has the perfect genes.”
