The German driver, a descendant of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, was replaced by veteran Nico Hulkenberg by the Haas team, costing him a berth in the 2023 race. The 2020 F2 champion Schumacher competed in two seasons with Haas, the team preferred Nico’s compatriot’s 181 Grands Prix of experience to help them advance up the midfield.
When working for Mercedes, Schumacher will use the team’s simulator and be prepared to replace Lewis Hamilton or George Russell should they be unable to compete.
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, publicly expressed his desire to “look after” Schumacher after hearing the news of his departure from Haas and cited his family’s connections to the company: Michael, Mick’s seven-time champion father, campaigned for Mercedes in sportscars and the DTM before switching to driving in Formula One, while his uncle Ralf and cousin David have all driven for Mercedes in a variety of racing categories.
Mercedes and the name Schumacher go hand in hand.
When he returned to the sport in 2010 to coincide with the formation of the new Mercedes factory team, Michael finished his F1 career with the team, retiring for a second time in 2012.
And Mercedes funded Michael’s F1 debut with Jordan at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, which was how they paid for him to begin his F1 career.
At the time, Schumacher was racing in endurance events for Mercedes. The Benetton team quickly snatched him up, and he switched teams for the Italian race that followed.
With the team’s two 2022 reserve drivers, Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne, having found seats at AlphaTauri (in a racing seat) and Aston Martin (as reserve) for next year, it has been confirmed that Schumacher will step up into Mercedes’ reserve post.
“Mick is a young, skilled driver. We’re excited to have him on board “Toto Wolff, the team manager for Mercedes, remarked.
“He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach, and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities.
“We also know that with two years of experience racing in F1 under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise.”
Schumacher, who will attend all Grand Prix during the 2023 season, said he was “thrilled” to take on his new role.
“I am committed to giving it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment,” the 23-year-old said.
“I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me.
“F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.”
Prior to Mercedes’ announcement, Ferrari put out a statement saying they had cut all links with Schumacher, who had been a member of their driver academy since 2019. “Scuderia Ferrari thanks Mick for these four years and the many kilometers covered together, and wishes him all the best for the future,” said a Ferrari statement. Schumacher was announced as a reserve for Mercedes for 2023 shortly after his split from Ferrari was confirmed.
Rising F1 analyst🔥💯
4by4 devotee
palvin@spaceyamagari.com
