Mick Schumacher has decided to end terms with Mercedes from his reserve role at the end of the 2024 season.
Having joined Mercedes in reserve capacity in 2023 after ending ties with Haas as an active F1 driver, Schumacher got his chance to test for the German manufacturer at multiple times, but never got a full-time seat that he wanted to,
Despite Mercedes having an open seat in place of Lewis Hamilton, they opted to sign Andrea Kimi Antonelli instead. For 2024, Schumacher was dovetailing his role at Mercedes alongside a full-time drive in the FIA WEC series with Alpine in Hypercar.
At the end of the 2024 F1 season, Schumacher will his role at Mercedes, who are eyeing for Valtteri Bottas to make a return to the fold in a reserve capacity after the Finn lost his drive to Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber-Audi.
“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years,” said Toto Wolff. “From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him.
“From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships.
“As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.” At the same time, Schumacher added: “I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years.
“They have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better. But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”
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