Mick Schumacher’s ‘Plan B’ appears to be to remain on the sidelines of Formula 1 as a reserve driver.
While serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver in Singapore, the German admitted his “plan A” was to sign as Nico Hulkenberg’s team-mate at Audi-owned Sauber next year.
However, the German-Swiss collaboration appears set to retain Valtteri Bottas instead, while potentially grooming debutant Gabriel Bortoleto for a future racing role.
Schumacher, dropped by Haas after 2022, says he is not giving up on F1.
“Formula 1 remains the big goal – it always has been and it always will be. That’s why everything else has to be put on hold for now.”
“The options that exist in parallel must wait.”
Schumacher, now 25, combines his role as Mercedes reserve driver with a drive for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.
“It is important that my work as a reserve driver and on the track at Alpine goes as well as possible. It went very well at Fuji,” Schumacher added, referring to his first WEC podium recently.
As for his role at Mercedes F1, Mick says it is taking place “more behind the scenes, so we don’t see exactly what’s going on there”.
“But it’s going well there too. So we’re all confident that I’ll continue to do it if I don’t have the last place on the grid.”
