Mick Schumacher has officially confirmed his departure from Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team as their reserve driver, a position he held since 2023 after losing his race seat with Haas. With his sights set on reigniting his active racing career, Schumacher’s exit opens the door for former Mercedes race driver Valtteri Bottas to rejoin the team in a reserve capacity.
Schumacher’s Mercedes Tenure
Schumacher, who joined Mercedes following a challenging two-year stint with Haas, has been instrumental in supporting the Brackley-based team’s operations. His role involved intensive work in the simulator, assisting in car development, and being on standby as a replacement driver. Additionally, Schumacher balanced these duties with his competitive seat in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
Reflecting on his time with Mercedes, Schumacher expressed gratitude but reaffirmed his desire to return to full-time racing:
“I am grateful to Toto [Wolff] and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years. 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… Ultimately, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”
Bottas Returns to Mercedes
Schumacher’s departure paves the way for Valtteri Bottas, a proven race winner and former Mercedes driver, to take on the reserve driver role. Bottas, who claimed 10 Grand Prix victories with the team between 2017 and 2021, has found himself displaced from Sauber as the team transitions into Audi’s factory operation.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff praised Schumacher for his contributions:
“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.”
Wolff also highlighted Schumacher’s racing potential:
“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.”
The Next Chapter for Schumacher
With Bottas stepping into the reserve role, Schumacher’s immediate plans remain focused on returning to full-time competition. His success in the WEC with Alpine has already shown his adaptability and talent outside of F1. Schumacher is likely to seek opportunities in top-tier motorsport categories, with a potential comeback to F1 remaining a long-term goal.
As Mercedes prepares for the 2025 season with Bottas providing critical support, Schumacher embarks on a renewed chapter to showcase his racing pedigree.
