Michael Schumacher Blocked Mick From The Garage To "Protect Him From Publicity"
Nick Fry, a former team boss, reminisces about his interactions with Michael Schumacher and highlights Schumacher's role as a vigilant parent. Fry discloses that Mick Schumacher, then a teenager, was prevented from entering his father's F1 garage by his parents, who sought to shield him from public attention.
Fry, who served as CEO at Mercedes and previously held the role of Honda's team principal in the mid-2000s, has shared insights into his personal connection with the Schumacher family, recalling moments of their sons playing together.
According to a report published by GPfans.com, Fry expressed sadness as Michael Schumacher cannot actively support Mick's racing career and witness his son's development. He said:
"I think the family side of Michael provided my fondest memories of him, such as our sons playing together.
"I also fondly remember how Michael and Corinna protected their kids. It was always cute to see Mick, who was a teenager at the time, not being allowed into the garage, but he'd be behind it and looking across at his dad’s car.
"They protected him from the glare of publicity as much as they could. Mick would have been so proud of his dad, and it was lovely to see that relationship.
"That's why it's sad that Michael isn't able to help his son's career and see it develop in the same way the kids were for his."
Following two seasons with the Haas F1 team until 2022, Mick faced disappointment as he failed to secure a full-time seat with any team on the grid for the 2023 season. However, he did secure a reserve driver role with Mercedes, the team his father once raced for.
In 2024, the 24-year-old driver inked a deal with Alpine to participate in the World Endurance Championship. Fortunately, his contract permits him to maintain his role as a reserve driver for Mercedes in Formula 1.
