Mick Schumacher has joined Mercedes as their new reserve driver, following in the footsteps of his dad, Michael, in the process.
After leaving Haas at the end of the 2022 season, the German appeared to be exiting the F1 paddock. However, his new role with one of the front-runners offers Schumacher a fresh start.
In joining Mercedes, Mick Schumacher also ends his relationship with Ferrari. He had been a member of their driver academy since 2018 but is now no longer tied to the Scuderia.
Per a statement on their website, Schumacher will help develop Mercedes’ 2023 car, the W14, with simulator work. In addition, he will attend every Grand Prix in his capacity as their back-up driver.
“The 23-year-old has impressed with his maturity, technical feedback and work ethic throughout his career,” concluded the announcement. “All qualities highly prized in a driver. He now joins the team where his father Michael raced between 2010 and 2012.”
Mick Schumacher expressed his excitement at working with the eight-time constructors’ champions.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes F1 team as their reserve driver for 2023,” said the German. “And I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment. 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 all my efforts into the benefit of the team.”
Mick Schumacher joins Mercedes: his F1 career so far
The German joined the grid with Haas in 2021. During his first season, both Mick and Haas found 2021 hard going. His best finish came at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Schumacher placed twelfth. Unfortunately, though, he and the Haas team did not score a single point in 2021.
However, the 2022 campaign saw an improvement. Despite a difficult start, including missing the Saudi Arabia GP due to a qualifying crash, Schumacher enjoyed a better season.
He picked up his first career F1 points at the British Grand Prix. Schumacher finished eighth at Silverstone, finally ending his wait for championship points. He followed this up with a career-best sixth in Austria.
The Haas driver finished the season with 12 points in total, thirteen behind teammate Kevin Magnussen. As a result, Haas have decided to go with Nico Hulkenberg alongside the Dane for 2023.
But, thanks to his new role, Mick Schumacher can emulate his father by driving a Silver Arrow.
Michael Schumacher’s time at Mercedes
The senior Schumacher, Michael, actually came out of retirement to drive for Mercedes. He joined them in 2010, the manufacturer’s first season back in Formula 1.
Sadly, the seven-time champ’s return to the sport was much more challenging than his days at Ferrari. Schumacher finished ninth in the drivers’ standings, failing to register a podium in 2010.
The German came eighth in 2011 but had to wait until 2012 before standing on an F1 podium once more. Schumacher’s third-place finish at the European GP in Valencia also proved to be his last.
Despite this, Michael Schumacher’s seasons at Mercedes laid the groundwork for the dominance that the Silver Arrows experienced in the 2010s.
Mick will look to help Mercedes reach the top once more, just like his father did over ten years ago.
Featured image credit: Getty