Ecclestone says Mick Schumacher needs ‘support’ for F1 future as the former F1 boss weighs in on Schumacher’s prospects – Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, is hoping to return to the sport in the near future. However, his chances of securing a seat for the 2025 season are looking increasingly slim.
The Sauber/Audi team, which will officially become an Audi factory team in 2026, appear to favour the experienced Valtteri Bottas for their second driver slot alongside Nico Hülkenberg. Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has weighed in on the situation, stating that Schumacher needs more than just talent to succeed at the pinnacle of motorsport – he needs real support.
Bottas likely to take Sauber/Audi seat
In recent weeks there has been growing speculation that Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish driver with over 200 Grand Prix starts under his belt, will retain his position at Sauber when the team becomes Audi’s factory team in 2026.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the rumour mill suggests that Bottas is the favourite to partner Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season, pushing Mick Schumacher further away from a potential comeback.
“You can understand Audi’s position,” said Bernie Ecclestone in an exclusive interview with *RTL/ntv* and *sport.de* in Germany.
“If they come in, they need their number one driver and a number two. They will need a lot of help to protect their brand. They can’t just sit around and do nothing.”
At 93, Ecclestone remains as sharp as ever in his analysis of the sport he once ruled. He acknowledged that Bottas’ wealth of experience makes him a sensible choice for the team, but noted that only time will tell if the Finn is the right long-term solution for the German automotive giant.
Bottas, who currently drives for Sauber, has built a solid reputation in Formula One, particularly during his time with Mercedes. His experience and ability to deliver consistent results would make him a valuable asset to Sauber/Audi as they prepare for their full entry as a works team.
For Mick Schumacher, however, the news casts doubt on whether he will ever get another opportunity to showcase his talent at the sport’s highest level.
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Ecclestone on Schumacher: “Talented enough, but needs support”
While Bottas may be the safe choice for Audi, Bernie Ecclestone remains convinced that Mick Schumacher has the potential to be a successful Formula One driver. However, he believes Schumacher’s progress has been hampered by a lack of proper support.
According to Ecclestone, Schumacher’s future in motorsport remains uncertain, not because of a lack of ability, but because of the environment in which he has found himself. The 2020 Formula 2 champion has so far failed to secure a full-time seat in Formula 1, despite demonstrating his ability in the junior categories.
After a difficult stint with the Haas F1 team in 2021 and 2022, Schumacher is currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, doing simulator work to keep himself involved in the sport.
“He doesn’t need advice, he needs support,” said Ecclestone, referring to the 25-year-old’s current predicament.
“He needs someone who is a warm person.” The former F1 boss went on to name McLaren team principal Zak Brown and Alpine consultant Flavio Briatore as figures who could provide the kind of support Schumacher needs.
Ecclestone insisted Schumacher’s talent was not in question, stating: “He’s talented enough, but he hasn’t been given the right opportunity.”
This statement reflects the general feeling of many in the paddock, who believe that Schumacher’s name brings both immense pressure and, paradoxically, a lack of patience from teams looking for immediate results.
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The road ahead for Schumacher: F1 dream faces major hurdles
Mick Schumacher’s situation is far from ideal, but his connection to the Schumacher legacy means that his journey will always attract attention. After winning the 2020 Formula 2 championship, his natural progression to F1 seemed all but guaranteed, but his early years with Haas were turbulent, marked by crashes and inconsistent performances. As a result, he was unable to secure a seat for 2023 and found himself in a reserve role.
Ecclestone’s comments underline the complexities Schumacher faces as he tries to carve out a career in F1. While his famous surname opens doors, it also brings with it enormous expectations, making it difficult for him to secure a long-term place on the grid. The backing of a supportive and experienced mentor could be the key to unlocking his potential in a fiercely competitive environment.
However, with Sauber/Audi seemingly moving towards a more experienced line-up with Bottas and Hülkenberg, the question remains: where does that leave Schumacher? With most top teams settling on their driver pairings early, the young German could find himself relegated to a reserve role or forced to look outside of F1 for racing opportunities.
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Ecclestone’s view on what Schumacher needs
Bernie Ecclestone’s call for support over advice reflects the larger issue facing Mick Schumacher as he fights for his place in Formula One. In a sport where sponsorship, team dynamics and internal politics play such a crucial role, talent alone may not be enough. For Schumacher to succeed, he needs more than just skill behind the wheel – he needs the right people in his corner.
As Audi prepares to officially enter the sport, the road ahead for Schumacher appears to be narrowing. But with the right backing and opportunities, his F1 story may not be over yet. For now, it remains to be seen whether Mick Schumacher can find his way back to the grid, or whether he will remain on the sidelines in 2025.
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Bottas, maybe an experienced driver but since he joint Sauber has not produced ball. Audi has given the drive to the Hulk as their No one driver why can’t they not have a much younger driver as the second one . other teams doing it i strongly believe they should give Mick that opportunity and let him prove his wordiness. I have nothing against Bottas but i can’t see going back to the form he was with Merc.