Mick Schumacher has officially confirmed his departure from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team as reserve driver, a position he has held since 2023 after losing his racing seat at Haas. With the aim of reviving his active driving career, Schumacher’s departure opens the door for former Mercedes racing driver Valtteri Bottas to re-join the team as a reserve driver.
Schumacher’s tenure at Mercedes
Schumacher, who joined Mercedes after a difficult two-year spell at Haas, has been instrumental in supporting the Brackley-based team’s operations. His role involved intensive work in the simulator, assisting with car development and being available as a replacement driver. Additionally, Schumacher balanced these responsibilities with his competitive seat in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
Reflecting on his time at Mercedes, Schumacher expressed his gratitude but reaffirmed his desire to return to racing full-time:
“I am grateful to Toto [Wolff] and to the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team for the knowledge I have acquired over these two years. They definitely made me a more experienced racing driver because I understood the engineering side better.”
But watching these cars race without being in the cockpit myself is difficult. I want to get back to focusing 100% on the race…At the end of the day, it’s the race that gives you that feeling that you love.”
Bottas returns to Mercedes
Schumacher’s departure clears the way for Valtteri Bottas, a proven race winner and former Mercedes driver, to take on the role of reserve driver. Bottas, who scored 10 Grand Prix victories with the team between 2017 and 2021, found himself sidelined by Sauber as the team transforms into an Audi factory operation.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Schumacher for his contributions:
“Mick’s hard work, diligence and determination in his role as reserve driver have been vital to the team over the past two years. Through his work in the simulator, testing various cars and being part of the team in the field, we couldn’t have asked for more from him.”
Wolff also highlighted Schumacher’s racing potential:
“Mick is above all a racing driver. We have seen, both during his time in F1 and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a driver of an incredibly high caliber and that he deserves to compete in the best championships.
The next chapter for Schumacher
With Bottas taking the role of reserve, Schumacher’s immediate plans remain focused on his return to full-time competition. His success in the WEC with Alpine has already shown his adaptability and talent outside of F1. Schumacher is likely to seek opportunities in high-level motorsport categories, with a potential return to F1 remaining a long-term goal.
As Mercedes prepares for the 2025 season with Bottas providing critical support, Schumacher begins a new chapter to showcase his driver pedigree.
