Mick Schumacher is leaving his reserve driver position at Mercedes as he seeks to focus 100% on racing in 2025 and beyond.
The 25-year-old German joined the team as a reserve in 2023 following his departure from Haas after two seasons as Nico Hülkenberg returned to the sport.
He has driven in various tests for the team, just over a decade on from Michael Schumacher’s last F1 appearance with Mercedes at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Schumacher has been competing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship in 2024, scoring a podium in Fuji. His F1 hopes appear to be over after Mattia Binotto overlooked him for the Sauber seat.
Toto Wolff, CEO & Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, 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.
“From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.
“However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships.
“As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Mick Schumacher
“I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years.
“They 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 focussing 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.”
