The racing world had high hopes with Formula 1’s legendary German driver, seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick Schumacher. He was supposed to be the next big name, the flag bearer of his father’s outstanding legacy.
After winning the F2 Championship, Schumacher made his F1 debut with Haas in 2021 alongside fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin. Despite having a dominant first season in 2021 compared to teammate Mazepin, he saw a downfall in his performance in 2022, as he was driving alongside Kevin Magnussen, a far more experienced driver than Schumacher.
In 2022, Haas decided to replace him with sport veteran Nico Hulkenberg. Since then, Mick Schumacher has been a reserve driver for Mercedes. There is little to no chance of Toto Wolff offering him a seat in 2025 as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Schumacher is representing Alpine in the World Endurance Championship this year, and according to F1-Insider, Bruno Farmin, “he is extremely impressed with his [Schumacher] performance.” This brings about a little prospect of Schumacher’s return to F1, with Alpine, as he might be the top candidate for 2025.
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are looking for other options on the grid for 2025
Season 2024 has proved to be a big disaster for Alpine, both Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have failed to present the desirable outcome, that is, collect points. They secured just a single point in the first six races. Whereas the same duo secured a combined 120 points last season.
Both Ocon and Gasly are looking for other options on the grid, they’re exploring other possibilities amid the frustrations at the team’s poor downfall. Ocon’s manager has been in conversation with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who wants Ocon to be placed at Williams for 2025.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo is on board with the idea of giving a seat to Mick Schumacher in 2025, as this move could “help the brand in the German market.” If Schumacher does run a test for the team, he’ll simply have to deliver to beat the competition.
Schumacher is determined to return to Formula 1 in 2025, in an interview with Sky Germany he mentioned that there will be changes not only in the teams’ cockpits but possibly also “the end of two drivers’ careers.”
Mick has the skills and he very well knows he is good enough to return, “I showed that in Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2.” He sounded upset with the fact that the F1 community has forgotten about his driving ability, his achievements, and also the fact that he can efficiently handle pressure.
Mercedes almost shut the gate for Mick Schumacher’s chances to a seat in 2025
The rising star of motorsport, Mercedes trainee, 17-year-old Italian Formula 2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the big name to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. As per a recent turn of events, Logan Sargeant could be replaced with Antonelli at Williams, which would eventually open doors for him to acquire an early ticket to the Mercedes side.
Alex Albon has also emerged as a replacement option after Hamilton leaves Mercedes in 2025. Albon has been somewhat consistent with his performance at Williams. This leaves the motorsport world in the darkness about the future of Mick Schumacher at Mercedes, where he is a reserve driver.
Toto Wolff is said to be looking for a potential seat for Schumacher in the “future”. He has been with the team since the 2023 season but has not had the opportunity to race in any Grand Prix since. But how near or far this “future” is, no one knows. Schumacher is not the first or even the second option to replace Lewis Hamilton, and Formula 1 fans very strongly believe it is “over” for Mick Schumacher at the Silver Arrows and that he most definitely should consider other possibilities.