German Racers Encourage Schumacher to Hold on to Mercedes Reserve Seat
Oct.2 - Two well-known German former F1 drivers are urging Mick Schumacher to hang onto his Mercedes reserve seat for 2024.
Schumacher, who was dropped by Haas after two seasons on the Formula 1 grid in 2021 and 2022, is currently being linked with a place in Alpine's new prototype Le Mans and world endurance program for 2024.
Toto Wolff, however, has said the 24-year-old can also keep his seat as Mercedes' official F1 reserve - and German racing Hans-Joachim Stuck thinks that is a very good idea.
"If he doesn't stay in Formula 1, he's out," the 72-year-old told Eurosport.
"It's a difficult decision for him. We'll have to wait and see where he ends up but it's important that he at least keeps his job at Mercedes.
"He's in good hands there with a good chance. If he just leaves now, he'll be out. But only he can really decide what direction his career takes."
Another former F1 driver, fellow German Nick Heidfeld, agrees with Stuck.
"He (Schumacher) has to try to always keep one foot in Formula 1 - even if only as a test driver," the 46-year-old former Sauber and BMW driver told Sport1.
"I was also a test driver for Pirelli and Mercedes, and we've also seen it with Nico Hulkenberg who was written off three times and is now firmly back in the saddle.
"You always have to believe in yourself and in the possibility," said Heidfeld. "You can't hold back and you have to look for your chances. I hope and think Mick will do that and get the right advice."
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Although, that role will become redundant over time if he doesn't get a full-time drive.
Completely agree. If he doesn't get the Williams seat, he had best keep his MB ties or he is DONE in F1. I suppose that he could keep his reserve roll with an eye to 2025, but that's it. End of the line.
From what James Vowles is saying, the seat at Williams won't materialise for 2024.
IMO, Mick should take an opportunity in WEC. After all, that will keep his name in the media and also keep him in competition to display his skills.
If you think back, Schumacher snr, Frentzen and Webber all came to F1 following WEC stints. Who can forget Webber's aerial episode in 1999 at Le Mans in the Mercedes CLR!
I don't understand why, but Mick does not seem to attract a team to offer him a competition seat in F1.
Smokey, big sportscars were the hot setup before F2 became the clear path to F1. As for Mick, he won the F3 championship, won the F2 championship and then got sucked into a deadend deal with Ferrari who shuffled him off to the Gunny room while big hair went to Alfa. I do not share your optimism re Vowles driver intentions for 2024. I think that SAR is doomed and Mick still has an even chance of being in the Williams. Hope is eternal. :)
It's not like Mercedes to waste money on a loser boy
Hope they don't need to make more cars