F1
Mick Schumacher leaves Mercedes
After two years at the factory, the German confirms that he will end his role as a test driver for the brand, motivated by Bottas’ possible arrival.
Mick Schumacher is moving further away from Formula 1. As Mercedes has confirmed in a statement, the German driver will leave his role as a test driver with the team at the end of this season, completely disassociating himself from a position he has held for the past two years.
Bottas close to Mercedes return
He joined the silver star manufacturer at the beginning of 2023 as a reserve driver and, now, it has been the 25-year-old driver himself who has made the decision to step aside, probably also motivated by the possibility of Valtteri Bottas landing at his former team to be the brand’s third driver upon confirmation of his departure from Sauber for 2025.
“I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the knowledge I have acquired over these two years," the driver said when announcing his departure. “They have certainly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have gotten to know the engineering side better. But watching these cars race without being in the cockpit is tough. I want to focus 100% on racing again. I want to fully dedicate myself to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, what you want to do as a driver is racing, which gives you that feeling that you love so much”.
Schumacher was left without a place on the Formula 1 grid in 2022, after Haas decided not to renew his contract.
What next for Mick Schumacher?
And while his goal remains to return to the World Championship, his chances for 2025 are now zero. It remains to be seen whether Cadillac’s entry in 2026 opens any doors for him, but in the meantime, Mick has confirmed on his social media that he will continue to “be part of the Alpine Endurance adventure” in the World Endurance Championship.
“We had a great first year together and I am determined to help ensure that the programme’s performance is even better in year two. We have defined some points that we want to focus on, so I am looking forward to my second season of endurance racing,” explained the German.
Wolff wishes Schumacher well
Following his departure, Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff thanked Mick for his involvement with the team over the past two years.
“Mick’s hard work, diligence and determination in his role as reserve driver has been vital to the team over the past two years. From his work in the simulator, testing various cars and being part of the team on track, we couldn’t have asked for more.
“From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly loved teammate to everyone in Brackley and Brixworth. However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a driver of an incredibly high calibre and deserves to compete in the top championships.
“I would like to personally thank Mick for his contribution to our team and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”