Reserve driver deal does not include much of a pathway back to Formula 1 grid.
- Schumacher spent the past two seasons racing in Formula 1 for Haas.
- Schumacher also enjoyed a four-year association with Ferrari in their junior development program.
- He replaces Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne in the reserve role at Mercedes behind Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Former Haas F1 Team and Ferrari Junior Mick Schumacher will remain in Formula 1 next year after taking up a reserve position with Mercedes.
Schumacher spent the past two seasons racing in Formula 1 for Haas but was not retained after the team opted to recruit veteran Nico Hulkenberg. Schumacher scored points in only two events in 2022, in Britain and Austria, as he trailed teammate Kevin Magnussen in the standings.
Schumacher also enjoyed a four-year association with Ferrari, which backed his career, but that was not renewed in the wake of his Haas departure.
The 23-year-old has now taken up a reserve position at the team for which his father, Michael, raced from 2010 to 2012. Schumacher will carry out regular work in Mercedes’ simulator at Brackley in the U.K. and will also attend all of the Grands Prix in 2023 as back-up to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Schumacher replaces Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne in the role; the former Mercedes Formula E racers jointly held the position, but de Vries has now joined the Formula 1 grid with AlphaTauri, and Vandoorne has switched to a co-reserve role at Aston Martin.
“Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. “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, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14.
“We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula 1 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 described his role as “a new start” as he prepares to start work with Mercedes.
“I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me,” said Schumacher. “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.”
Keyword: Haas Castoff Mick Schumacher Leaves Ferrari, Gets F1 Deal with Mercedes