Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team simply wouldn’t be what it is today, nor would it have enjoyed the dominance it has imposed upon the grid over the past few years, without the contributions of the legendary Michael Schumacher. Now, roughly a decade after he retired with the Brackley-based outfit, his son and 2020 Formula 2 champion Mick Schumacher has joined Mercedes as a reserve driver for the next chapter of his career.
Prior to this development, the younger Schumacher was a free agent after his seat at Haas had been reassigned to Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season. And while looking for a new job during the holiday season is never ideal – nor is playing third-string, for that matter – given the departure of both Mercedes reserve drivers Nyck de Vries, who is moving to AlphaTauri as a primary driver, and Stoffel Vandoorne, who is moving to Aston Martin as a reserve driver… the timing could not be more fortuitous.
Because at the very least, the dream is still alive. And there are certainly worse cars to pilot than a Silver Arrows.
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“I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment,” Mick Schumacher said of his new role.
“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.”
Mercedes Team Principal & CEO Toto Wolff added: “Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team. 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.”
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“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 [Hamilton] or George [Russell], should that need arise.”
Initially, there was widespread speculation regarding outgoing McLaren Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo taking on the role of Mercedes reserve, but that rumour was quickly dispelled by the confirmation of his return to Red Bull Racing – with whom he won seven of his eight grands prix and rocketed to mainstream stardom – as the team’s third driver for 2023.
You love to see it.
Side note: this also puts Mick Schumacher in pole position to take Sir Lewis Hamilton’s seat should the seven-time world champion decide to retire or, god forbid, jump ship for a more competitive team.
