Mick Schumacher: German to leave his role as Mercedes reserve driver

Mick Schumacher is to leave his role as Mercedes reserve driver at the end of this season.

The 25-year-old, who is the son of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, has been with the team for two years.

Mercedes took the German on when he was dropped after two seasons with the US-based Haas outfit.

Schumacher had hoped for a return to the F1 grid next season, but was rejected by the Sauber/Audi and Alpine teams.

He has been racing for Alpine in the world endurance championship in 2024 and said he would continue with them next year.

Schumacher said: “These two years have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better.

“But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport.

“Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”

Mercedes had a seat available in F1 in 2025 following Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari, but preferred to promote their Italian protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 team principal, said: “Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as reserve driver has been vital for the team over the past two years. From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him.”