Germany’s Mick Schumacher could well find himself in the McLaren seat this season in F1 after the Woking-based team struck a deal with Mercedes to call on his services if needed.
As Mercedes’ reserve driver for the 2023 Formula One season, Mick Schumacher completed his first seat test this week. But it was not only the German who was allowed to take a seat in the Silver Arrow. He also climbed into the McLaren cockpit.
As the Woking-based outfit announced on Twitter, Schumacher’s services will also be available in 2023 should one of their regular drivers be forced to retire.
McLaren will be able to call on @SchumacherMick as a reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our arrangement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick. 👊🧡 pic.twitter.com/DNiJ5s99rQ
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 1, 2023
“McLaren will have the opportunity to use Mick Schumacher as a replacement driver for the 2023 Formula One season as part of our agreement with Mercedes,” the team wrote alongside a picture of Schumacher in the McLaren.
“Welcome to the family, Mick”.
Mercedes will be McLaren’s engine partner again from 2021.
This increases the likelihood that Schumacher will race this year after Haas failed to renew his contract. The German was a regular driver for the US team in 2021/22.
Double replacement for Mick Schumacher
After parting ways with Ferrari, as a member of their junior academy, the way was clear for a new chapter with Mercedes.
His role there will include testing parts and doing laps in the simulator. He will also have the opportunity to race if one of the regular drivers is unavailable, not only at Mercedes, but also at McLaren.
The McLaren team already has a reserve driver for the 2023 season in Alex Palou, but he is also involved in the Indycar championship in the United States and could be missed for a few races.
In order to be able to replace one of its drivers at any time of the year, McLaren has therefore concluded an agreement with Mercedes to be able to call on Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher will have the opportunity to work with Italian Andrea Stella, the new team boss and former engineer to Mick’s father, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
