Mick Schumacher has officially confirmed his departure from Mercedes reserve driver role at the end of the 2024 F1 season.
The decision which was announced by the team on November 28, 2024, comes after a two-year tenure in the role, during which the German contributed significantly to the team’s efforts while pursuing other racing opportunities.
Mick Schumacher joined Mercedes at the start of the 2023 season after a challenging two-year stint with Haas F1 Team, where he faced difficulties securing consistent performances. His transition to Mercedes was seen as a strategic move to remain within the F1 ecosystem while gaining valuable experience.
During his tenure as the Mercedes reserve driver, Schumacher engaged in simulator work, provided feedback during tests and races, and supported the team in various capacities.
His role allowed him to deepen his understanding of race engineering and team dynamics, which he acknowledged during his farewell statement.
Reflecting on his time with the Silver Arrows, Mick Schumacher expressed gratitude for the insights gained and emphasized his desire to return to full-time racing.
“I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years,“ Mick—who doubles up as the son of the legendary seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher—said.
“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. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver; it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.“
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Mick Schumacher’s contributions and highlighted his hard work and determination during his tenure.
“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years,“ Wolff remarked. “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.”
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The announcement of Mick Schumacher’s exit coincides with speculation surrounding Valtteri Bottas’ potential return as a Mercedes reserve driver. The Finn previously raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, achieving ten race victories during his tenure alongside Lewis Hamilton.
With Bottas set to leave Sauber at the end of this season, discussions about his return to Mercedes are reportedly progressing well with the 35-year old indicating that talks are ongoing but still require finalization.
While Mick Schumacher’s departure marks an end to his current role within Mercedes, it also opens doors for new opportunities in other racing series.
Schumacher has been competing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) throughout 2024 and his performances in the racing series have been commendable, showcasing his versatility as a driver beyond F1.
Looking ahead, Mick Schumacher has confirmed plans to continue with Alpine in the WEC for the 2025 season. This commitment was announced shortly after he revealed his decision to leave Mercedes, indicating a clear focus on pursuing competitive racing opportunities rather than remaining on the sidelines.
