F1: Mick Schumacher joins Mercedes as reserve driver

Mick Schumacher has signed for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team to become their official reserve driver for 2023.

Schumacher will take the role of reserve driver, attending every Grand Prix in 2023 with the Mercedes-AMG F1 team. The German driver will also carry out simulator work at the factory in Brackley.

He came into F1 in 2021 joining the HAAS F1 team, after winning the F2 title in 2020 for PREMA. He would take two wins and eight podiums in his second year in F2, helping him secure the championship.

It would be a tough two years in Formula 1 for Schumacher, scoring his first points at the 2022 British Grand Prix. Just one race later at the Austrian Grand Prix, Schumacher would carry his momentum and take a career best finish of sixth.

Schumacher and Ferrari would go their separate ways, as it would be announced he would leave the Ferrari Drivers Academy after four years. He now follows in his dad’s footsteps by joining Mercedes, which he raced in the 2010/11 seasons.

Mick Schumacher said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment.

“I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me. F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team. “

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said: “Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the Team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver.

“These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14. We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula One under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise.”

Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Non-Executive Chairman added: “It’s great to have Mick on board. He has already demonstrated impressive talent on the track, and I look forward to watching him apply that to the development side, too.

“He has a great deal to offer in this important role. We have big plans for 2023 and Mick is integral to those as part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 family.”

Image from Mercedes-Benz