Mick Schumacher to leave Mercedes reserve driver role at end of 2024 season

Mercedes have confirmed that Mick Schumacher will leave his role as the squad’s reserve driver at the end of 2024 following two years with the team.

Schumacher joined the Brackley outfit ahead of the 2023 season – off the back of a two-season stint on the grid with Haas – and has since gone on to perform simulator work for the Silver Arrows as well as providing feedback during tests and races.

Alongside his position, Schumacher has also competed for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and now looks set to pursue new opportunities in 2025 following news of his exit from Mercedes, with Alpine also confirming the German driver will again be one of their six drivers for the 2025 WEC campaign.

Team boss Toto Wolff paid tribute to the German’s contribution to the team as the announcement was made, saying: “Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 19: Toto Wolff Team Principal of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 and Mick — Schumacher has often been seen alongside Wolff in the Mercedes garage during race weekends

“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.”

Schumacher also spoke positively about his experiences with the squad over the past two seasons.

“I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years,” the 25-year-old said. “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% 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.”

While there is only one seat unconfirmed on the F1 grid in 2025 at RB – which looks likely to be filled by Liam Lawson – Sauber boss Mattia Binotto recently admitted that Schumacher had been considered as a candidate to partner with Nico Hulkenberg at the team next season before they ultimately chose rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.