Mick Schumacher has made his debut outing for McLaren’s Formula 1 team on Wednesday in Portugal.
Following the conclusion of his contract with Haas, which left him without a race seat for the 2023 season, Schumacher joined Mercedes as its reserve driver.
He had previously tested Mercedes’ W14 car during a post-Spanish Grand Prix tyre test last month.
As part of a collaborative agreement between Mercedes and McLaren, Schumacher will be available to McLaren as a potential replacement if either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri is unable to participate in a race.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
This arrangement allows Schumacher to continue gaining valuable Formula 1 experience and stay connected to the sport.
Schumacher took to the track at Portimao, the former venue for the Portuguese Grand Prix, to test McLaren’s 2021-spec MCL35M car.
The young driver is eager to seize every opportunity to develop his skills and showcase his potential in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
The MCL35M has previously been tested by regular driver Oscar Piastri, who used the sessions to further familiarise himself with the car.
In addition to Schumacher, another rising talent in the motorsport scene, Alex Palou, has also had the chance to test the MCL35M.
Palou, currently leading the points standings in the IndyCar series, participated in the test as McLaren explores potential reserve driver options.
READ: Williams team boss fires warning about F1’s budget cap
It is anticipated that Palou will be on standby for McLaren later in the year, following the conclusion of the IndyCar season in September.
The collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren demonstrates the strong partnership between the two teams, extending beyond their respective roles as competitors in Formula 1.
This strategic alliance allows for the sharing of resources and talent, providing opportunities for young drivers like Mick Schumacher to gain valuable experience and contribute to the success of both teams.