Mick Schumacher leaves his position as a reserve driver at Mercedes
After two years as a reserve driver at Mercedes F1, Mick Schumacher announces his departure at the end of 2024. The 25-year-old German driver, who combined this role with a season in WEC at Alpine, wants to focus on active competition.
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team announced today the departure of Mick Schumacher from his reserve driver position, at the end of the 2024 season. The 25-year-old German driver is thus ending a two-year collaboration with the world champion team.
Arriving at Mercedes at the beginning of the 2023 season after leaving the Haas F1 Team, Mick Schumacher spent two years in the crucial role of reserve driver, working alongside Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. During this time, he was particularly involved in the development of the car through intensive work on the simulator and during various testing sessions.
In parallel with his Formula 1 responsibilities, the young German driver also distinguished himself in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine, notably securing the French brand’s first podium at the Fuji event in Japan.
Toto Wolff, director of the Mercedes team, praised Mick Schumacher’s contribution: Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as a reserve driver have been vital for the team over the past two years. His involvement in the simulator, testing different cars, and presence within the team at the circuits have been exemplary. He integrated perfectly from day one, becoming a highly valued colleague both in Brackley and Brixworth.
For Mick Schumacher, this decision reflects his desire to return to active competition. “I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team for the experience gained over these two years,” he said. “This experience has undoubtedly made me a more complete driver, particularly thanks to a better understanding of the engineering side. However, watching these cars race without being in the cockpit is difficult. I want to refocus 100% on racing. I want to fully dedicate myself to the sporting aspect of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that gives you that sensation that you love so much as a driver.”
This announcement marks a turning point in the career of the seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s son. After making his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2021, and then serving as a reserve driver at Mercedes for two years, Mick Schumacher is now looking to move towards new challenges to pursue his active racing career.
Case to follow…
