Mick Schumacher handed F1 lifeline as he signs for Mercedes as reserve driver

Mick Schumacher says he is ‘thrilled’ to be joining the Mercedes Formula 1 team as a reserve driver for the 2023 season.

The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher lost his race seat at Haas at the end of the 2022 championship to fellow German Nico Hulkenberg.

Having also cut ties with the Ferrari Driver Academy, this move represents a huge lifeline for the young Schumacher after a very disappointing start to his F1 career.

He made his debut in 2021 but failed to score points in his maiden season due to the terrible performance of Haas’ car, though he easily outclassed rookie teammate Nikita Mazepin.

However, while this year’s VF-22 was significantly faster than its predecessor, Schumacher was unable to make the most of the opportunity, and while he improved as the season progressed, he only managed to finish in the points twice and was involved in a number of big crashes.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old still boasts impressive credentials from his junior career, including winning the Formula 2 title at the first time of asking, and at frontrunners Mercedes he’ll be hoping to continue his development ahead of a potential return to the grid in the future.

‘I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment,’ Schumacher said.

‘I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto [Wolff] 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 in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.’

While the Schumacher name is synonymous with Ferrari, it also has very close ties to Mercedes, with Michael making his F1 comeback with the Silver Arrows in 2010 before finishing his career for good with the team in 2012.

It is unlikely however that Mick will race for the team given that both Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are set to remain with Mercedes for the foreseeable future.

‘Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the Team,’ team principal Wolff added.

‘He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14.

‘We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula One under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise.’

Mercedes were in need of a new reserve driver for next season after long-time back-up Nyck de Vries secured a full-time seat at AlphaTauri.

They had been linked with signing Daniel Ricciardo following his departure from McLaren but instead the popular Australian has returned to Red Bull.

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