According to former test driver Pascal Wehrlein, Mick Schumacher expects a lot of monotonous work at Mercedes. Image: Glenn Dunbar / imago images
formula 1
After a long period of uncertainty about his future in the Haas Formula 1 racing team, Mick Schumacher embarked on a new adventure. After two years with the American team, Michael Schumacher’s son is back in the second row. The 23-year-old is now a substitute driver at Mercedes.
At the Silver Arrows, the 23-year-old acts as a backup for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. The German is full of energy. Especially since he had to fear for several months that he would no longer find a place in Formula 1.
Mick Schumacher’s future in Formula 1 was uncertain for several months. Image: imago images/PanoramaC
Another German ex-driver is also very familiar with the role of reserve driver at Mercedes: Pascal Wehrlein. He drove for Manor and Sauber in Formula 1 and was a test driver for the German team. He sees Mick Schumacher in a different role – and gives him unexpected advice.
Pascal Wehrlein gives Schumacher a prognosis for Silver Arrow work
Wehrlein has now turned his back on Formula 1 and, after a detour to the DTM, has been driving for Porsche in Formula E since 2019. And he also sees Schumacher there.
Pascal Wehrlein was also a substitute driver at Mercedes in Formula 1. Image: IMAGO/PanoramiC / imago images
Wehrlein would be happy if Mick were eventually drawn into the electric motor sport. Specifically, he said: “It would be nice to have him here, definitely,” he said in an interview with Sport1.
While he could regularly race in the electronic series, the 28-year-old knows what Schumacher expects from Mercedes in 2023: “A lot of simulator work.”
Mick Schumacher sees the future in Formula 1
But Mick Schumacher is pursuing a different plan: his future should be in Formula 1 and not in Formula E.
In an interview with the “gpfans” portal, he categorically ruled out an assignment in another racing series: “I’m definitely not going to race anywhere else. I’m just not interested in that,” he said.
Mick sees himself clearly in Formula 1 – the Mercedes boss has a lot of confidence in him
Despite the numerous hurdles and setbacks in the past season, the former Haas driver wants to continue fighting his way through Formula 1. The goal: to get a regular cockpit again in the premier class of motorsport.
The chances are good. At least if the 23-year-old can convince in the future. Silver Arrow team boss Toto Wolff believes he can do that in the long term. He apparently believes in Michael Schumacher’s son and praised him to the skies in a media round: “The most important factor is his personality. He is a well-educated, intelligent and talented young man.”
Toto Wolff is convinced of Mick Schumacher’s potential. Image: apa / Expa/Johann Groder
In his opinion, Mick just needs a safe environment so that he can continue to develop. “Then he can be a good racing driver with a regular cockpit in the future,” says Wolff with conviction. He named the Dutchman Nyck de Vries as a role model, who was a reserve driver at Mercedes and got a permanent cockpit at Alpha Tauri this season.
Schalke’s coach Thomas Reis was actually looking forward to Tim Skarke. The offensive player should give Schalke the much-needed momentum in attack. Because the bottom of the table in the Bundesliga has scored just 13 goals in 15 games so far. And hits are urgently needed in the fight for relegation.
