Schumacher set to leave Mercedes at the end of 2024
Mercedes have confirmed that their reserve driver Mick Schumacher has chosen to leave his role at the conclusion of the 2024 season as he aims to fully focus on racing again next year.
Former F1 driver Mick Schumacher joined the German-team at the start of 2023 and has spent the past two years as its reserve driver. Along with his duties in the team’s simulator, Schumacher has also provided on-track feedback during various tests and races.
In addition to his F1 role, the Swiss-born driver has also competed for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship in the past season, scoring the manufacturer’s maiden podium in Fuji, Japan.
Reflecting on Schumacher's decision, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said: “Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years.
"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.”
Commenting on the decision, Schumacher: “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.
"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.”
