Mick Schumacher is clearly a very talented individual, proving time and time again through his junior career that he has the potential to be special.
Since joining the F1 grid with Haas in 2021, the German has only shown glimpses of his true ability, partially down to his own performances and partially down to the limitations of his team.
Whatever the reason may be, Haas have decided to put their faith in the experience of Nico Hulkenberg for 2023, leaving Schumacher without a race seat despite his clear talent.
The 23-year-old has now been picked up by Mercedes to serve as their test driver, with the plan being that he can gain experience ahead of a potential return to the grid.
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While Toto Wolff has admitted that Schumacher could eventually depart the Silver Arrows to secure a race seat, similar to how Nyck de Vries has left to race for AlphaTauri, the priority is for him to progress at Mercedes.
Schumacher’s uncle, Ralf Schumacher, who won six races during his time in F1, has suggested that his nephew could secure a race seat at Mercedes as early as 2024.
With Lewis Hamilton being outscored by his young teammate George Russell last season, Ralf Schumacher has questioned whether the legendary driver would want to continue in F1, should he be bettered by the 24-year-old once again in 2024.
“Let’s assume George Russell is faster than Lewis Hamilton again,” he said.
“Will Lewis then continue at all?
“It will be exciting to find out.”
While Mick Schumacher has refused to comment on the speculation that he could eventually replace Lewis Hamilton, he has insisted that his goal is to be back on the grid in 2024.
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“I will give my all in this very competitive and professional environment and will be at all the races in the coming season,” said the 23-year-old.
“I want to position myself in such a way that I will be back on the grid in 2024.”
The reports suggest that Lewis Hamilton is set to sign a multi-year contract extension with Mercedes in the near future, but with nothing official yet, the seven-time world champion’s future remains up in the air.