Mick Schumacher has confirmed that he will part ways with Mercedes at the end of the current season, stepping down from his role as a reserve driver after two seasons with the team.
The 24-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher has been serving as the reserve driver for Mercedes since 2022, a position that saw him supporting George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Schumacher’s move to Mercedes followed his departure from the Haas F1 Team, where he lost his race seat to Nico Hulkenberg.
Despite the valuable experience gained from his time at Mercedes, Schumacher has chosen to pursue a return to competitive racing. In a statement, he expressed his gratitude to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team for the opportunity to work alongside them, acknowledging the knowledge he gained in the process.
“I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years,” Schumacher said. “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.”
Schumacher’s desire to race again was evident as he voiced his longing to return to the sport that excites him most: “I want to get back to focusing 100 percent on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport,” he added. “Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”
During his tenure with Mercedes, Schumacher was also connected to potential roles elsewhere, including being considered as a possible replacement for the Ferrari-bound Hamilton. However, he was passed over for that position and, instead, the Alpine drive ultimately went to Jack Doohan.
In 2024, Schumacher also expanded his motorsport horizons by competing with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, all while maintaining his duties at Mercedes.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Schumacher’s work ethic, dedication, and contributions over the last two years.
“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as reserve driver has been vital for the team,” said Wolff. “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 positive impact on the team, both professionally and personally. “From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.”
Acknowledging Schumacher’s talent as a driver, Wolff concluded: “We have seen from both his time in F1 and his performances in the World Endurance Championship this year that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best 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.”
As Schumacher looks ahead to his next chapter, his decision to leave Mercedes marks a pivotal moment in his career as he strives for a future back in the cockpit.
