Mick Schumacher is leaving the Mercedes Formula 1 team to “pursue new opportunities,” according to an announcement released by the team ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Schumacher spent two years in that role, after being released by Haas after spending two years as a full-time driver for the team. Schumacher added another role to his driving resume this season, competing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. He helped Alpine secure their first podium in the series back in September, when the team of Schumacher, Nicolas Lapierre, and Matthieu Vaxivière finished third in Japan.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff praised the young driver’s “hard work, diligence, and determination” in his role as a reserve for the team.
“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years,” said Wolff in a statement. “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.”
Wolff also noted that Schumacher is “first and foremost a racing driver,” and “deserves to be competing” in the highest levels of motorsport.
“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,” added Wolff. “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.”
The driver expressed his gratitude for the time with Mercedes, but admitted that watching from the sidelines was “tough” 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. 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,” added Schumacher. “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.”
As for where he might land, there is growing speculation that Schumacher could be in the mix for a seat at the new General Motors-Cadillac team. On Monday F1 announced that an 11th team — the new GM-Cadillac operation — would be added to the F1 grid for the 2026 season. Many drivers could be linked to that move, including Colton Herta who drives for Andretti in IndyCar, but Schumacher would bring both F1 experience, and a legendary name, to that team.
Schumacher could also be focusing his attention on his role at Alpine in the WEC. In addition, reports over the summer indicated that the driver had at least engaged in initial talks with Dale Coyne’s IndyCar team.
But with a new team joining the F1 grid, and Schumacher committed to the “sporting side of motorsport,” this could be the next best opportunity for him to return to the F1 grid.
