Schumacher to leave Mercedes F1 role

Mick Schumacher will leave his position as F1 reserve driver at Mercedes following the completion of the current campaign.

The team has announced the German “has chosen to leave his role”, having come onboard at the start of 2023, following the end of his full-time drive at Haas.

He dovetailed his Mercedes responsibilities with racing in Alpine’s WEC programme, something that saw him compete in the 24 hours of Le Mans and score the team’s maiden podium finish, in Japan.

The son of seven-time F1 drivers’ champion Michael Schumacher raced for Haas in 2021 and 2022, having won F2 title the year prior.

However, he was replaced by compatriot Nico Hulkenberg at the American team. The 25-year-old had hoped to return to the grid full time in 2025, but missed out on seats at Alpine and Stake, which will become Audi at the end of next season.

“I am grateful to Toto [Wolff] and the entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years,” Schumacher said. 

“They have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better.

“But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing.

“I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal added: “Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years.

“From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him.

“From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.

“However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships.

“As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”