In a bid to restart his F1 career, Mick Schumacher has turned to Mercedes’s reserve driver role. After 2 seasons with former employer Haas, Mick’s contract wasn’t extended following the end of the 2022 season.
The 23-year-old was left without a racing seat. But he was soon picked by the Silver Arrows who will provide the promising youngster with a chance to learn under the wings of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Schumacher took the opportunity to learn and eventually make a return back to the sport. However, 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti believes talents like Mick will eventually find themselves back in the grid.
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Mick Schumacher will return claims Andretti
After winning the 2020 F2 championship, Mick Schumacher was offered an F1 seat by Haas. The deal was backed by Ferrari, who had a long-term relationship with the German racer.
But his results with Haas weren’t fruitful enough and were riddled with multiple crashes. The work environment too did suit the youngster. And eventually, he was given the boot after 2 seasons with the team.
But that is far from the case believes 1978 F1 champion, Mario Andretti. The American believes Schumacher is immensely talented and will find his way back on the F1 grid in no time.
Andretti explained “I think Mick improved enormously last season. No question. And that was evident in his performance.” The American added, “I’m sure someone will take him. Talents like that don’t go away.”
In addition to his talent, Mick was under pressure as he was the son of 7-time World Champion Michael Schumacher. But Mick did justice to his father’s legacy claims the American.
Andretti believes the ‘Schumacher’ name can’t be omitted from the sport. He claims, “The name Schumacher is an asset in every respect. I think he wore it with a lot of pride, no doubt.”
Mick will spend a season on the sidelines with hopes of making a comeback as soon as 2024. And if things go well, Mick could see himself racing in an Andretti car. But that’s a big If!
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Can Schumacher find a seat with the Andretti-Cadillac F1 team?
Mick Schumacher will be adjusting to the Mercedes way of life. But his current boss Toto Wolff has given quite a headache to Mario and Michael Andretti in their bid to become the 11th team in the F1 grid.
A coalition of bosses led by Wolff has opposed the Andretti-Cadillac team’s entry into the sport. And one major reason to do so is it would cut the current profit share of the 10 existing teams.
Andretti plans to enter the sport as soon as 2024. But despite having secured backing from General Motors, it’s bid seems to be in the mercy of other teams.
F1 is reportedly demanding a $600 Million entry fee from the US-based team. And it might take a while for the paperwork and politics to be started before we see a new team in the F1 grid.
If Andretti is confirmed for a place in 2024, Mick would be an ideal candidate to pick. The German is young, talented and possesses ample F1 experience to bring in a rookie team.
Andretti does have a policy of bringing American talent into the sport. But in case they are unable to field an American racer, Schumacher should be considered as an ideal pick.
