David Schumacher to Drive Third Winward Mercedes-AMG

David Schumacher will make his DTM debut this year driving an additional third Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for Winward Racing.

The 20-year-old son of six-time Grand Prix winner and former DTM competitor Ralf Schumacher is set for his first season racing in sports cars after two years in FIA Formula 3.

Schumacher’s deal to race in the DTM has been put together by his primary sponsor Ravenol, a lubricant supplier, as well as DEKRA and Schaeffler Paravan.

He follows in the footsteps of his father who contested five DTM seasons in Mercedes machinery from 2008 to 2012.

Lucas Auer and defending champion Maximilian Goetz were named as Winward Racing’s first two drivers for the upcoming season when Mercedes-AMG announced an initial stable of seven entries last week.

“Despite his youth, David approaches the matter in a highly professional way,” said Winward team principal Christian Hohenadel.

“He knows what a big task he is facing and is tackling it with great ambition.

“We all know how high the stakes are in the DTM, so his first season in this tough competitive environment can’t be anything other than an apprenticeship.

“We will support him to the best of our ability with all our experience. I’m convinced David will give us a lot of joy with his talent, hard work and team spirit! He undoubtedly brings the perfect genes with him.”

Schumacher is set to test his Winward-prepared Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo at Portimao this week, although he previously tested a version of the car in November. 

“I’m aware that I have to learn a lot in order to succeed in this incredibly high-class racing series,” he said.

“My goal for the first year is to get used to the race car and absorb the many details that are important in the DTM. With Lucas and Maximilian, I have two very experienced teammates to guide me.

“In Mercedes-AMG Team Winward Racing and with the support of my long-standing partner Ravenol, I certainly have the perfect conditions to work my way up to the top step by step.

“There’s a huge challenge waiting for all of us – but also a lot of fun! Many thanks to my partners DEKRA, Ravenol and Schaeffler Paravan for giving me this great opportunity.”