Mick Schumacher states a Formula 1 comeback is near, yet remains wary of overconfidence.
Mick Schumacher appears optimistic about his chances of returning to the Formula 1 starting grid.
The 25-year-old F1 driver, son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, saw his career come to an end after only two relatively lackluster seasons with Haas, following a prolonged period of criticism from his then-boss, Gunther Steiner.
In 2023, Schumacher became the main reserve driver for Mercedes F1, before combining this role with a return to racing with the Alpine team in WEC this year.
And before the German’s Pirelli tire test with McLaren last week, Schumacher had what the media called a “shootout” test against Jack Doohan in a two-year-old Alpine F1.
“My chances of returning to Formula 1 seem pretty good so far,” Schumacher told the French news agency AFP.
“It’s important for me to return to Formula 1 to show what I’m capable of. There are obviously many interesting options. The question is to see what options are available to me. It’s not easy, but for me, showing what I can do and what I haven’t been able to prove over the past two years is a priority. I’m waiting to see what opportunities will arise.”
Last month, Alpine extended Pierre Gasly’s contract, with Schumacher, Doohan, and Carlos Sainz all vying to replace Esteban Ocon, who is leaving next year.
“For now, Formula 1 is within reach, but I am also aware of my mental balance and that’s where I need to make sure I don’t become too confident, that I continue to hold on and make sure there is a plan B in case it doesn’t work out. But we’re not there yet because my chances in Formula 1 seem quite good so far – but I don’t want to be too hasty and then regret it.”
Some believe a return to the grid in 2025 is actually Schumacher’s last chance to relaunch his F1 driving career, but he doesn’t see it that way.
“My plan has always been Formula 1, now we wait to see what opportunities arise. I think there’s a chance that doors will open, but it’s obviously a bit of an anxious time because you wait and after a while some of them may close. So you have to know what you want to do. But I’ve decided I’ll wait for Formula 1 as long as it takes.”
“It’s a tough situation,” he admits.
“When you dream of something all your life and then get thrown out, it’s not an easy situation to deal with. And obviously, dealing with disappointments has been the hardest part.”
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Schumacher Cautious as F1 Comeback Looms Schumacher Cautious as F1 Comeback Looms
