Schumacher joins Mercedes as 2023 reserve

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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emailBy Chris Medland | December 15, 2022 8:34 AM ET

Mick Schumacher has left the Ferrari Driver Academy and joined the Mercedes Formula 1 team as its reserve driver for 2023.

The son of seven-time world champion Michael was dropped by Haas after two years in a race seat, being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg. However, shortly after Ferrari announced Schumacher would leave its academy he was confirmed at Mercedes in a reserve role that will see him attend all grands prix next season as well as carry out simulator work.

“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,” Schumacher said. “I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto (Wolff) 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.”

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Schumacher becomes the only reserve at Mercedes for now after Nyck de Vries joined AlphaTauri and Stoffel Vandoorne moved to Aston Martin, and Wolff says his experience as a race driver in current machinery made him the perfect candidate to join the team that his father raced for from 2010-12.

“Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team,” Wolff said. “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 1 under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis (Hamilton) or George (Russell), should that need arise.”