Mick Schumacher has gained a lot of free time due to the end of his Mercedes engagement, but still hopes for a comeback in Formula 1
Mick Schumacher will no longer be competing in Formula 1 in 2025, not even as a Mercedes test driver, and sometimes feels like he’s in the “wrong movie” in his new role with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He explained this in a recent interview published by the German newspaper Bild on February 18.
Schumacher does not, however, base his statement on the fact that he does not enjoy the long haul with the season’s highlight, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Quite the opposite. But because the double burden between WEC and Formula 1 testing is no longer necessary and the WEC will only have eight race weekends in 2025, his schedule is much more relaxed than in previous years.
“Last year, I was on a plane once or twice a week, traveling around the world,” the 25-year-old says in the interview. ‘When I got home, I basically packed for the next trip right away. Now I’ve been here for two weeks at a time and thought, ’Okay, what do I do now?’”
But he still doesn’t get bored. As early as the beginning of February, Schumacher had explained that the WEC calendar may not sound like much, “but you still have a lot to do,” he said, referring to “a lot of test days” in the Alpine A424 and “many simulator sessions”.
especially since he has not yet put a stop to the idea of Formula 1. At the end of 2024, Schumacher decided to end his engagement as a Mercedes test driver – knowing that no door would open for him there as a racing driver for years to come. After all, Mercedes has two established drivers in George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. In addition, Mercedes also held talks with Valtteri Bottas, who has now actually taken his place on the substitute’s bench.
But: “Formula 1 will always be a part of my life,” he now emphasizes to the Bild newspaper. “I decided at the age of eleven that I wanted to race there. That is still my goal, this racing series was and is my lifelong dream. I still have a score to settle with Formula 1 and I want to prove myself there again.”
Schumacher is convinced: “When I look at the grid, I have no doubt that I could keep up. I’m not worse. It would be nice to get another chance and prove it. Simply because I believe that many have written me off.”
This is how Ralf Schumacher rates his chances of making a comeback
Incidentally, his uncle Ralf Schumacher also sees it that way.“not easy” to aim for a comeback in Formula 1. But: “There’s a new manufacturer coming, anything can happen. And of course Mick still made a good impression.”
According to Ralf Schumacher, Mick is “fast enough” for Formula One and “ready to get in and go”. Should drivers drop out during the season, he would be one of the candidates to replace them. At the same time, his uncle admits: “But of course it won’t get any easier.”
