Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shown his faith in Mick Schumacher after bringing him onboard as a reserve driver, stating that he’s ready to deliver for the Brackley-based outfit on the track.
Schumacher joined Mercedes in 2023 after Haas refused to renew his contract, choosing instead to hire Nico Hulkenberg in his place.
With Schumacher failing to find another seat on the grid, he has joined Mercedes as their third driver and ambassador, following in his father’s footsteps.
Michael Schumacher raced for Mercedes in his return to Formula 1 for the 2010 season, remaining with the team until the end of the 2012 season.
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Undecided about his future, Michael Schumacher retired from Formula 1 for the second time, being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.
Wolff believes that, like his father, Mick Schumacher could occupy a race seat if the opportunity emerges and one of his drivers can’t compete.
“We’re trying to get an old car ready for him as soon as possible,” Wolff told Blick.
“If one of our drivers gets Covid or gets injured, Mick will be in the Mercedes! Period, end of discussion,” he added.
With Hamilton weighing his future in Formula 1, as contract negotiations between the seven-time world champion and Mercedes rumble on.
If Hamilton chooses to leave the sport, Mercedes would have a race seat available for Schumacher should Wolff be confident that the German driver is ready.
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Schumacher had a successful career in the junior ranks, winning the 2018 F3 and 2020 F2 championships.
He joined Haas in 2021 for two seasons but was unable to achieve enough success to remain at the team.
Across 43 starts in Formula 1, Schumacher achieved 12 points, finishing the 2022 season in 16th place in the Drivers’ Standings.