Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is happy for Mick Schumacher to remain as the side’s reserve driver next season, even alongside the German’s potential campaign in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
It was reported ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix that Schumacher had received an offer from Alpine to join their Hypercar programme in the WEC, something which could prove to be true as the driver was seen in the Enstone-based team’s hospitality at the Marina Bay Circuit.
Schumacher hasn’t raced in 2023 and is unlikely to be on the Formula 1 grid in 2024, unless Williams decide to drop Logan Sargeant and sign the Mercedes reserve.
However, it’s rumoured that the Grove-based team are keen to give Sargeant another season to prove himself, something which would end Schumacher’s hopes of an F1 return.
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As a result, the former Haas driver’s only chance of remaining in the F1 paddock next season is as a reserve driver, with Wolff being hopeful that Schumacher decides to continue in his role.
“Mick has a place here as a reserve driver – he is part of the family,” Wolff told Bild newspaper. “We hope he stays in the role with us and we’ll give him time in the car.”
Wolff is seemingly aware of Schumacher’s link to a seat in the WEC with Alpine next season, something it appears the Austrian doesn’t have a problem with.
The Mercedes boss is more than happy for Schumacher to compete in another series alongside his reserve duties at the Silver Arrows, highlighting how keen he is to retain the son of Michael Schumacher.
“If he can get a seat with another manufacturer in WEC, in sportscars or somewhere else, he will always have this home base here,” Wolff added.
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“Whatever program he does on the side, he can stay with us as a reserve driver if it is also possible from the other side.”
Schumacher joined Mercedes at the start of this season after being replaced by Haas, who opted not to offer the driver a contract for a third season.
Nico Hulkenberg was signed as his replacement and has recently accepted a new deal for 2024, suggesting that Haas are very pleased by the veteran’s work.