Mick Schumacher leaves his role as Mercedes F1 reserve driver

Mick Schumacher Steps Down from Mercedes Reserve Role

Mick Schumacher leaves his position as Mercedes F1 reserve driver to fully commit to his racing career, seeking new challenges ahead.

The Mercedes F1 team today confirms the information we revealed a few days ago: reserve driver Mick Schumacher has decided to leave his position at the end of the 2024 season.

Mick, 25, joined the team at the start of 2023 and has spent the last two years as a reserve driver. In addition to his work in the team’s simulator, Mick also provided valuable feedback on track during various tests and races. He also competed for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship last season, securing the manufacturer’s first podium at Fuji, Japan.

“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as reserve driver have been crucial for the team over the past two years,” comments Toto Wolff, who is expected to announce Valtteri Bottas’ arrival in this role soon.

“From his work in the simulator, testing various cars, to his involvement with the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for more. From day one, he integrated seamlessly with the team and became an incredibly valued colleague to everyone in Brackley and Brixworth.”

“However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen, both during his time in F1 and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a driver of incredibly high calibre and deserves to compete in the top series. As he prepares for his next challenge, I want to personally thank Mick for his contribution to our team and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Mick Schumacher added: “I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team for the knowledge I’ve gained over these two years. They’ve undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver as I’ve learned more about the technical side. But watching these cars race without being in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to focus 100% on racing again. I want to fully commit to the sporting side of motorsport. In the end, it’s racing you want to do as a driver, it’s the racing that gives you that feeling you love.”