Sebastian Vettel has shared his perspective on the future of his friend and protege, Mick Schumacher, suggesting that the young talent may find himself sidelined from the Formula 1 grid for another year in 2024.
Schumacher, the 24-year-old German driver and son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, had hoped to secure a race seat after being axed by Haas and assuming the reserve role at Mercedes this season.
However, both Schumacher and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff have acknowledged the challenging nature of the current driver market, hinting at limited opportunities for the talented driver in 2024.
Speaking at the iconic Nurburgring, where he demonstrated his title-winning 2011 Red Bull car on the renowned Nordschleife layout, Vettel provided insight into Schumacher’s prospects.
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“The situation is difficult at the moment,” Vettel stated.
“There is maybe only one cockpit left at the moment, and it’s not that easy, or it’s rather difficult, to slide back in.
“But there is always some possibility,” he added, offering a glimmer of hope.
Schumacher himself had previously disclosed the existence of a “plan B” for 2024, leading many insiders to speculate that this might involve continuing in his current backup role at Mercedes.
Vettel expressed the importance of Schumacher’s continued development, saying, “I think it’s important that things continue in a certain way for Mick next year, that he continues to work on the second chance.
“From a German perspective, it’s essential because he’s not just the biggest young talent but perhaps even the only one at the moment.”
Schumacher’s departure from Haas this year led to the return of the impressive 36-year-old Nico Hulkenberg, making him the sole German driver on the Formula 1 grid.
Vettel acknowledged the challenges of bringing a Formula 1 race back to Germany, emphasising the significant costs involved.
“It is so expensive,” he noted.
“The costs involved in setting up a grand prix are very high, and perhaps the Germans are just a bit too realistic.
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“Formula 1 has become more popular worldwide, but not in Germany.”
Meanwhile, German newspaper Bild reported that Vettel is set to attend the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka in two weeks.
While the report clarified that it was not about a driver comeback, it hinted at a potential project or engagement for the veteran racer.