Mercedes have introduced that Mick Schumacher shall be their reserve driver for the 2023 season.
The son of seven-time champion Michael, has ended his four-year partnership as a Ferrari junior – after additionally dropping his Haas seat to the returning Nico Hulkenberg.
It means he’ll work alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell and canopy them in the event that they miss a race, in a season the place the Mercedes workforce look to return to the highest of the sector.
Mercedes have named Mick Schumacher as their reserve driver for the 2023 season
Schumacher will step in if Lewis Hamilton or George Russell miss a race for no matter cause
Schumacher, 23, joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2019, and after successful the System Two championship in 2020, he moved to the Haas workforce.
Nonetheless, he had two underwhelming seasons with the American outfit, failing to attain a degree in his first season, whereas he was convincingly outperformed by his skilled team-mate Kevin Magnussen in 2022.
He was additionally concerned in a lot of on-track incidents over his two seasons and was criticised at occasions by Haas’ workforce principal Guenther Steiner.
In an official assertion on Mercedes’ web site, Schumacher stated: ‘I’m thrilled to be a part of the Mercedes workforce as their reserve driver for 2023, and I’m dedicated to provide it my all to contribute to their efficiency on this very aggressive {and professional} atmosphere.
Schumacher, 23, has additionally ended his four-year partnership with Ferrari as their junior driver
The German had an underwhelming two seasons at Haas and had a lot of incidents
He was changed at Haas by System One veteran Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season
‘I take this as a brand new begin, and I’m simply excited and grateful to Toto (Wolff) and everyone concerned for placing their belief in me. F1 is such a captivating world, and also you by no means cease studying, so I sit up for absorbing extra data and placing in all my efforts for the good thing about the Mercedes workforce.’
Crew principal Wolff described Schumacher as a ‘proficient’ younger driver who they’re comfortable to have as a part of the workforce.
He stated: ‘He’s a tough employee, has a peaceful and methodical method and continues to be hungry to be taught and enhance as a driver. These are all necessary qualities, and we’re excited for him to assist us develop the W14.
Mick’s father Michael raced for Mercedes for 3 seasons earlier than retiring again in 2012
‘We additionally know that with two years of expertise racing in System One underneath his belt, he shall be able to step into the automotive at quick discover to exchange both Lewis or George, ought to that want come up.’
In Mercedes, Schumacher joins one other workforce this his legendary father raced for.
Michael Schumacher is extra recognized for his time at Ferrari who he gained 5 of his seven straight championships for between 2000 and 2004.
After retiring in 2006, Michael Schumacher joined Mercedes in 2010, spending three seasons with the outfit earlier than he retired and was changed by Lewis Hamilton.
Mick Schumacher’s arrival at Mercedes comes after former reserve drivers Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne each left the German outfit.
