After two years in Formula 1, Mick Schumacher failed to secure a spot on the grid for the 2023 season.
He has been replaced by the experienced Nico Hülkenberg at Haas, leaving him without a full-time drive this year.
However, the young German driver is still involved in F1 this season.
The Sporting News takes a look at what’s currently on Schumacher’s plate for 2023.
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Why did Mick Schumacher leave the Haas F1 team?
It was a challenging start to life at Haas for Schumacher, failing to score any points in his debut season in 2021.
His lacklustre performances were generally excused though, with the US-owned team admitting they had abandoned development of their car, instead focusing on the upcoming season.
The attention that season was also on struggling teammate Nikita Mazepin, who earned the nickname of ‘Maze-spin’ due to the multiple occasions in which he failed to control the car.
Schumacher was paired with Kevin Magnussen in 2022 following the departure of Mazepin, with the Dane returning to his former team.
An improved car and more confident driving saw the young German earn his first points in F1, finishing P8 in Silverstone before backing it up with a P6 effort in Austria. However, his 12-point tally by the season’s end was trumped by Magnussen’s 25, who scored points on seven separate occasions.
There were glimpses of Schumacher’s ability throughout the year, but he was unable to match his teammate’s speed and race craft, often falling away at the end of Grands Prix. He was also out-qualified 16-6 by Magnussen, regularly beginning races in challenging positions.
At the conclusion of the 2022 season, it was announced that Schumacher’s deal with Haas was not going to be renewed, with Haas instead signing a veteran racer in Hülkenberg.
What is Mick Schumacher doing in 2023?
Schumacher is Mercedes’ reserve driver for the current F1 season.
He travels with the team on most race weekends and is on hand to replace either George Russell or Lewis Hamilton if required.
The 23-year-old is also doing regular simulator work for the eight-time constructors’ champions.
Notably, his move to Mercedes marked the end of his four-year stint as a Ferrari junior.
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Schumacher is also a member of McLaren’s reserve driver pool for 2023. He is part of a four-driver cohort that comprises Alex Palou, Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich.
A deal was reached due to the relationship between the two teams, with Mercedes continuing as McLaren’s engine supplier.
Did Mick Schumacher win F2? Career highlights and progression
As a result of his famous surname, there has been plenty of attention and pressure on Schumacher throughout his racing career.
In fact, he raced under the pseudonym ‘Mick Betsch’ when he began karting, transitioning to ‘Mick Junior’ before using his real name once he reached formula racing.
After a successful stint in karting, he debuted in ADAC Formula 4 in 2015, finishing runner-up in both seasons he spent in that competition.
He then progressed to Formula 3 in 2017. Whilst his first season saw him finish 12th with Prema, he stayed with the same team and took home the championship the following year.
Schumacher continued with Prema as he transitioned to Formula 2 in 2019. Remarkably, he followed an identical end-of-season results pattern to his time in F3, finishing 12th in his debut season before winning the title in 2020.
His success saw him earn a seat at Haas for the 2021 F1 season, where he endured a difficult campaign, picking up no points.
Whilst his points tally increased the following year, he was released by Haas at the conclusion of 2022.
Is Mick Schumacher related to Michael Schumacher?
Yes, legendary F1 racer Michael Schumacher is Mick’s father.
Michael was driving for Ferrari when Mick was born in 1999, helping the Scuderia win a constructors’ championship that year despite breaking his leg at Silverstone mid-season.
It has been over nine years since Michael’s serious skiing accident in the French Alps.
Mick has regularly credited his father for fostering his love of motorsport, paying tribute to him on numerous occasions throughout his two seasons in F1.
At the Belgian Grand Prix in 2021, he wore a replica helmet referencing Michael’s debut at the same track in 1991.
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