Mick Schumacher’s F1 return hopes dim as Audi selects rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, signaling a shift toward endurance racing possibilities.
Mick Schumacher seems ready to give up on his dream of returning to Formula 1.
When Sauber, owned by Audi, announced it had hired rookie Gabriel Bortoleto instead of Valtteri Bottas or Schumacher, Mattia Binotto emphasized that the 25-year-old German would have been a “good choice” among “many candidates.”
The Audi F1 boss added, “I know him very well from the past, and I know his strengths and perhaps also his weaknesses.”
Since his dismissal by former Haas boss Gunther Steiner at the end of 2022, Michael Schumacher’s son has served as Mercedes’ reserve in F1 while competing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.
But now, Mercedes is expected to sign Bottas as the primary reserve for next year.
Mick’s uncle, Ralf Schumacher, admits that a return to Formula 1 as a racing driver is now “rather unrealistic” for his nephew. “The question is who will be the reserve drivers and where? Or will he now focus on his endurance career?”
Alpine expects Mick to sign an extension for 2025 in his current WEC role, but the German also received an offer from his former employer, Ferrari, for the WEC. This might have included an F1 reserve position since Oliver Bearman has been promoted to Haas F1 and Robert Shwartzman is moving to IndyCar.
However, Ferrari reportedly required Schumacher to bring sponsorship to fund the WEC seat. The decision ultimately went in favor of Britain’s Philip Hanson.
If Schumacher indeed continues with Alpine in WEC, Porsche has not ruled out a spot for four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Vettel had already tested a Hypercar this year but did not commit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“We are one driver short, that’s mathematically true,” said Urs Kuratle, Porsche’s WEC boss.
When asked about Vettel’s candidacy, he admitted, “I do not rule it out.”
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Mick Schumacher’s F1 Comeback Dreams Fade Away Mick Schumacher’s F1 Comeback Dreams Fade Away
