What’s next for Mick Schumacher in Formula 1? After the Haas team officially confirmed on Thursday that it was parting ways with the 23-year-old after this season, the wildest speculations are swirling around the future of the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher.

One lead points in the direction of Mercedes. Its team boss Toto Wolff has now spoken openly about a possible signing of Schumacher.

“Both the one branch and the other branch of the Schumacher family are closely connected with Mercedes,” Wolff initially emphasised on the Sky microphone after the 2nd Free Practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Austrian recalled that Mick’s uncle Ralf Schumacher drove for Mercedes in the DTM for several years (2008 to 2012) and that his cousin David Schumacher has also been driving a Mercedes in the DTM since this year.

On the other hand, Michael Schumacher’s past in Formula 1 is well known, according to Wolff. After his return to the pinnacle of motorsport, the seven-time world champion drove a Silver Arrow for three years between 2010 and 2012 and is considered one of the most important pioneers for the team’s subsequent eight-year dominance.

The German also ran in Mercedes Sauber sportscars in the late 1980’s prior to his F1 career.

Wolff: “He deserves a place in Formula One”.

Toto Wolff admitted in no uncertain terms that the personnel matter of Mick Schumacher would be discussed again at Mercedes:

“He is a German, he fits the star incredibly well. I think he deserves a place in Formula 1. Now we have to see if we can do something,” said the 50-year-old.

Specifically, it would be about a position as a test and reserve driver behind the regular drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the team.

Mick Schumacher must try to get a race seat first

Since it became clear that Schumacher would no longer receive a contract at Haas for 2023, he is currently still completely without a cockpit for the new year.

“His priority was to get a seat and be on the grid. That hasn’t happened now. There is still one team free – let’s see,” Wolff continued.

This weekend will be the final decision on whether the second place at Williams next to Alex Albon will actually be given to Logan Sargeant. The US-American still has to score the necessary points for the obligatory super licence this weekend, also in Abu Dhabi.

In this case, the 20th and last cockpit in Formula 1 would also be finally filled. Then the talks between Mercedes and Mick Schumacher could become concrete.