Formula 1: "New beginning": Mick Schumacher new reserve driver at Mercedes

On the hoped-for way back to becoming a regular Formula 1 driver, Mick Schumacher takes a detour via a reserve role at Mercedes.

Formula 1: "New beginning": Mick Schumacher new reserve driver at Mercedes

On the hoped-for way back to becoming a regular Formula 1 driver, Mick Schumacher takes a detour via a reserve role at Mercedes.

"I see this as a kind of fresh start," said Schumacher. As a reserve driver, the 23-year-old will be joining the German car manufacturer in the coming season, where his father Michael Schumacher ended his glorious career as a racing driver in 2012 after a total of seven world championship titles.

"Formula 1 is a fascinating world where you never stop learning. I'm looking forward to absorbing even more knowledge and giving everything for the benefit of the Mercedes team," said Schumacher.

After two years with the US racing team Haas, the former Formula 2 champion had not received a new contract beyond the end of the year and had not found a permanent place with another team. He lost his previous cockpit at Haas to compatriot Nico Hülkenberg (35), who will be the only German in Formula 1 after the end of Sebastian Vettel's career.

Ferrari contract not renewed

Now Ferrari first announced that Schumacher's contract as a member of the youth program will no longer be extended. He has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2019 and hopes to one day be able to follow his father there. Michael Schumacher had won five of his titles with the Italians and had become an icon. Just 27 minutes after leaving Scuderia, Mercedes then announced that they would initially commit to Mick Schumacher for the next year.

"He's a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. Those are all important qualities," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

Schumacher is said to play an important role in the further development of the car for the long-standing industry leader. It was said that he would regularly sit in the simulator at the factory in Brackley, England, throughout the season. The work will also continue on the routes, because Schumacher should be on site at all races and also take on marketing tasks.

"I'll give it my all"

"We also know that with two years of experience in Formula 1 he will be able to step in for Lewis or George at short notice should this be necessary," said Wolff. The British Lewis Hamilton (37) and George Russell (24) will also be in the cockpit of the Silver Arrows in the coming season. "I will give everything to contribute to the team's performance in this very competitive and professional environment," said Schumacher.

His declared goal remains a permanent cockpit in the motorsport premier class. The entry of Audi as a works team with Sauber from 2026 could open new doors in the medium term, but initially he has to be patient and can gain more experience. After a disappointing year, Mercedes want to get back on top and get back in contention for the title. This season, Hamilton and Russell were without a chance, while Max Verstappen won his second consecutive world title. The constructors' title also went to the Dutchman's Red Bull team.

Schumacher also experienced a sobering year. After a total of unsatisfactory months, including two serious and expensive accidents in Saudi Arabia and Monaco, Haas decided against further signing the German. Team boss Günther Steiner and owner Gene Haas wanted a driver who "can carry the racing team" for the season starting in Bahrain in March 2023, but Schumacher should have been carried, said Steiner. The German only scored points twice in 22 races this year and finished 16th overall with twelve points. Sixth place in Austria is the best result of his career so far.

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