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Mick Schumacher, the racing driver and son of the renowned Michael Schumacher, is departing Formula One. The 25-year-old, who is presently engaged as a reserve driver for Mercedes, will leave his role at the end of the current 2024 season after two years with Lewis Hamilton’s team, it was confirmed on Thursday. Mick joined Mercedes in 2023 and has been working on simulators as well as serving as their reserve driver, but he has yet to return to the track.
Mick competed for Haas in 44 races in 2021 and 2022, earning 12 points overall but no poles or podium finishes. He also raced for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024 while at Mercedes. He plans to continue competing in WEC for Alpine next year.
Mick’s work at Mercedes was recognised by racing team boss Toto Wolff, who acknowledged the youngster’s contributions and emphasised the importance of continuing to pursue his racing dreams.
“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years,” Wolff told the media. “We couldn’t have asked for more from him in terms of simulator work, car testing, and being a part of the trackside team. He fit right in with the team from the start and has become a popular colleague throughout Brackley and Brixworth.”
“However, Mick is first and foremost a racecar driver. We have seen from his experience in F1 and this year’s performances in the World Endurance Championship that he is a very talented racer who deserves to compete in the finest 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.”
Mick Schumacher explains why he is quitting Mercedes.
Mick Schumacher stated that he wants to drive full-time, hence he has opted to quit Mercedes.
“I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years,” he told reporters. “They have surely improved my racing experience by allowing me to gain a greater understanding of the engineering side.
“It’s difficult to watch these cars race without being in the cockpit. I want to get back to focussing solely on racing. I want to be completely dedicated to the sporting aspect of motorsport.
“Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”
Former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who now competes for Sauber, is expected to succeed Mick at Mercedes.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has already won the F1 driver’s title for the 2024 season, with two races remaining. With two races remaining, the Constructor Championship is still up for grabs. McLaren Mercedes now leads the standings with 608 points, followed by Ferrari (584), and Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT (555).