The 2022 season ended in disappointment for Mick Schumacher, as the young German was replaced at Haas by Nico Hulkenberg despite a string of strong performances.
The 23-year-old’s inconsistency and tendency to crash the car made him an expensive asset for Haas, leaving the American team no choice but to opt for a more experienced driver for 2023 and beyond.
Schumacher has now been given an F1 lifeline with Mercedes as their reserve driver, joining the team where his legendary father Michael Schumacher ended his racing career.
Before linking up with the Silver Arrows, Schumacher has been taking part in the Race of Champions in Sweden with a number of high-profile racing names.
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Valtteri Bottas and Jamie Chadwick both made relatively early exits from the competition while Mick Schumacher made an impressive run to the final.
The youngster knocked out Felipe Drugovic in the quarter-finals before facing his F1 mentor and close friend Sebastian Vettel in the semi-final.
Schumacher impressively managed to eliminate the recently retired four-time world champion and advance to the final, where he would face two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom.
Unfortunately for Schumacher he was bettered by the Swede in the Race of Champions final, having to settle for a runner up trophy rather than the grand prize.
Having battled with Michael Schumacher in previous editions of the Race of Champions, Ekstrom was delighted to be able to battle Mick Schumacher for what is his fourth ROC title.
“We had many battles and I have only great memories with Michael from this event,” said the 44-year-old.
“I’m super proud because Mick also rode with me on Friday in the Dakar car and we had a nice time. Michael was always humble with me and I can see Mick is also very humble.
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“Mick is such a huge talent and his time is ahead of him, so I look forward to more battles in the future.”
Three of Ekstrom’s victories at the Race of Champions have now been against a Schumacher, with his other win coming in 2006 after beating Sebastian Loeb in the final.
Mick Schumacher will be hoping that his time with Mercedes can earn him a seat back on the grid, having clearly displayed that he has the talent to become a successful F1 driver in the future.