Mick Schumacher leaves Mercedes and explains why as replacement already lined up | F1 | Sport
Mercedes have confirmed that Mick Schumacher will depart the team ahead of the 2025 campaign after spending two seasons as their test and reserve driver.
Schumacher has been trying hard to find an avenue back onto the F1 grid while staying in the paddock, but after opportunities at Williams, Sauber and Alpine passed him by. The 25-year-old is now focusing on his career in the World Endurance Championship.
In a statement released ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Schumacher said: “”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 focusing 100 per cent 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.”
Adding to Schumacher’s words, team principal Toto Wolff said: “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.”
Schumacher’s replacement is expected to be Valtteri Bottas, who is primed for a return to the team with whom he won 10 Grands Prix after Sauber opted not to renew his contract for the 2025 season.
The Finnish racer still believes he could secure a full-time return to the grid in 2026 and with the new General Motors-Cadillac entry adding two seats into the equation, his options have been broadened.
