Mick Schumacher starts a new chapter with Renault-owned Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) this month but getting back to Formula One remains the German’s main target.
The 24-year-old former Haas driver is reserved for Mercedes, ready to step in if seven-times champion Lewis Hamilton or George Russell are unable to race.
“If there is a necessity for me to be in a Formula One car and there’s a (WEC) race weekend at the same time then obviously Formula One has priority,” Schumacher, son of F1 great Michael, told media.
“Mercedes has always been very supportive of me going into this position … to stay sharp and, if the opportunity arises, that I am 100 percent in the right mood and position mentally as well as physically to take on the challenge thrown at me.”
Schumacher spent two seasons with Haas before losing his seat. He sat out last year while doing simulator work for Mercedes.
The German’s ‘great work’ was heralded by Hamilton and Russell as Mercedes battled to second overall in the championship behind dominant Red Bull.
Ferrari finally managed to tempt the seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton over to Maranello and the move is happening ahead of the 2025 season.
This seemingly spells good news for Mick Schumacher, who has been a test and reserve driver for Mercedes since 2022, and who believes that Hamilton’s exit might be just the opportunity he needed to get back to the top tier of racing.
“It could play into my hands that the driver market is already quite active and that it will continue to increase in the coming months,” Schumacher said in conversation with Sky Germany.
“A lot will happen. There will not only be changes in the teams’ cockpits, but possibly also the end of two drivers their careers”.
Credited with giving the team a “tremendous advantage” at the Spanish Grand Prix through his late-night simulator work, Schumacher believes that he has the tools to take over and be an asset for Mercedes.
“I know I have the skills for it. I’m good enough,” he added.
“I showed that in Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula 2. The fact that I won races and championships is quickly forgotten. I proved that in addition to driving, I can also handle pressure.”
(with agency inputs)
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