Mercedes’ third driver, Mick Schumacher, took up the sport of Formula One to honor and carry forward his father, Michael Schumacher’s legendary legacy. After acing F2 and F3 tests, the German native bagged a contract with Haas. However, his time at the US-based outfit was extremely challenging and distressing at the same time.
Mick Schumacher, after serving for two problematic years at Haas, was let go by the team earlier this year. That left the Schumacher prodigy without an active seat on the grid. Having said that, Mick found shelter at Mercedes as he was appointed as the reserve driver of the outfit for the 2023 F1 season. However, the German is yet to give up hope on the future.
Mick Schumacher Hopeful Of A Seat In 2024 Despite Low Odds!
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, said last week that the door for 2024 is closing in on Mick Schumacher. It would be extremely challenging for him to secure an active contract elsewhere. While the team boss feels his reserve driver deserves a chance, Mick would likely encounter the brutal side of the highly competitive sport of Formula One. Having said that, Schumacher is not ready to give up on his dream so soon. He made a desperate plea to the F1 teams by claiming that the grid is yet to witness his best side. He says he has not yet unlocked his full potential at the big stage. As a driver, the German native wants to win. But he is keeping a realistic approach as well.
Further reacting to his team boss’ comments, Mick Schumacher said that in the past two to three years, circumstances have changed despite the contract being in place. Hence, he is hoping for the best. “So giving up hope is wrong. Hope is the last thing to disappear,” added Schumacher. Having said that, Mick has done a fantastic job with Mercedes by adhering to his reserve driver duties. He has been working day and night on the simulator to optimize the W14’s performance. Even Lewis Hamilton and George Russell publicly acknowledged the 24-year-old’s efforts back at the factory. However, putting in the good word is all the Silver Arrows can do at the moment. Mick’s future, sadly, does not lie in his own hands.
Mercedes Boss Bats For Mick Schumacher’s Entry Into F1 Grid!
Amid uncertainties, Mick Schumacher has garnered support from his team principal, Toto Wolff. In a recent interview with AutoHebdo, Wolff said Schumacher deserves to be on the grid. He is fast and has proven experience in F3 and F2. Further, Mercedes’s boss explained Mick’s struggles with Haas, saying that since he had not been in an F1 car for a long time, he put additional pressure on himself, which led to a fallout.
That being said, Mick Schumacher has the potential that he has failed to showcase till now, feels Toto Wolff. He added that while Mercedes is grateful to have the German as a backup, the young driver is capable of doing a fine job as a starter in the imminent future. Meanwhile, an opportunity could open up at Williams for Schumacher as the team is having doubts over Logan Sargent’s performance.