Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, was confirmed as Mercedes’ reserve driver on Thursday in a outstanding milestone within the younger driver’s profession.
Mercedes introduced that Michael Schumacher can be their backup driver for 2023, to assist Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
He had been racing in Formula One with Ferrari-powered Haas.
“I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto (Wolff, Mercedes team principal) and everybody involved for putting their trust in me,” Schumacher mentioned. “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.”
The transfer ends Schumacher’s four-year affiliation with Ferrari, the crew for which his father, Michael Schumacher, received 5 Formula One titles.
Michael additionally drove for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012.
“Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team,” Wolff mentioned. “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.”
The transfer got here two days after Ferrari introduced Frederic Vasseur as its new crew principal, changing Mattia Binotto.
“Scuderia Ferrari and Mick Schumacher have mutually decided not to extend their collaboration,” Ferrari mentioned.
The 23-year-old Schumacher joined Ferrari’s younger driver program in 2019 and competed in Formula Two for 2 seasons with the Prema Racing crew. He received three races and secured the 2020 title.
Mick Schumacher then made his Formula One debut with Haas and began 43 races however scored simply 12 factors. His high finishes got here this yr with sixth within the Austrian Grand Prix and eighth within the British GP. He was additionally Ferrari’s reserve driver.
“Scuderia Ferrari thanks Mick for these four years and the many kilometers covered together, and wishes him all the best for the future,” Ferrari mentioned.
