Mick Schumacher finished ninth on his Formula Four debut on Saturday as the son of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael showed racing ability runs in the family.

The 16-year-old had qualified in 19th place on the grid for Van Amersfoort Racing in Oschersleben but enjoyed a good race and made up 10 places before the chequered flag to take two points.

Competing in the inaugural round of the maiden ADAC Formula Four season, Schumacher was awarded the best rookie award for his display in the first of three races over the course of the season-opening weekend.

During his karting career Schumacher raced under his mother’s maiden name of Betsch but has now reverted back to the name of his father – who remains under private care following a skiing accident in 2013.

Mick was present at the time of the incident, which left Schumacher in an induced coma following a severe head injury. The former Ferrari and Mercedes driver has since been moved back to his family home in Switzerland and is under constant care.

The younger Schumacher will have another chance to impress in two further races at Oschersleben on Sunday before the championship continues at circuits including the Red Bull Ring, Spa-Francorchamps and Hockenheim.