Formula 1

F1 – McLaren appoints Schumacher as a reserve driver

Published

2 months ago

01/02/2023

F1 - McLaren appoints Schumacher as a reserve driver

McLaren has brought on Mick Schumacher as a backup driver for the 2023 Formula 1 season.

McLaren will race with Lando Norris and newcomer Oscar Piastri this season, but they can turn to Schumacher if either driver is unable to compete.

Schumacher has joined Mercedes as a reserve driver for 2023 and will also be available to McLaren if needed, as part of a cooperation agreement between the teams.

Mercedes is currently serving as McLaren’s engine supplier.

McLaren has established similar agreements with other teams in past seasons.

Last year in São Paulo, McLaren utilized Mercedes’ Nyck de Vries, who is now a full-time racer with AlphaTauri, due to worries over Norris’ health from a bout of food poisoning.

De Vries underwent a car fitting before Norris was eventually cleared to race.

Piastri, who is now a race driver for McLaren, was also a reserve driver for the team in 2022 as part of an agreement they had with his former backer, Alpine.

Schumacher recently went to Mercedes’ headquarters to have a seat fitting done, indicating that he is ready to race if one of the team’s main drivers is unable to participate.

At the end of 2022, Schumacher lost his permanent racing seat. After two years at Haas, driving alongside Nikita Mazepin and Kevin Magnussen, the American team chose not to renew his contract.

Haas brought in Nico Hülkenberg, a fellow American, as his replacement due to the latter’s extensive experience in the sport. Schumacher’s role as a reserve driver offers a good possibility of him making a return to the track in the 2023 season.

McLaren will be able to call on @SchumacherMick as a reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our arrangement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick. 👊🧡 pic.twitter.com/DNiJ5s99rQ— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 1, 2023