MICK SCHUMACHER has joined Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s backup driver.
The son of legend Michael failed to earn a new deal with Ferrari’s feeder team Haas.
Mercedes revealed the news in a tweet that said: “Willkommen, Mick. 👋 Say hello to our 2023 Reserve Driver, @SchumacherMick.”
The deal is a lifeline for Schumacher, who will also serve as back-up to George Russell for the 2023 season.
It could be an emotional move, with father Michael having driven for Mercedes for three years until his ultimate retirement in 2012.
Ferrari recently announced the axing of Mick Schumacher from its young driver academy, with the decision made just two days after Fred Vasseur was confirmed as new team principal of the Italian outfit.
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A statement from Scuderia Ferrari confirmed the team and Schumacher had “mutually decided not to extend their collaboration, after working together for four years with Mick having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.”
It added: “Mick joined the Ferrari family through the young driver programme in 2019 and, as an FDA driver, competed in Formula 2 for two seasons with the Prema Racing team.
“He won three races and secured the 2020 championship title. The following year, he made his Formula 1 debut with the Haas F1 Team.
“He raced for the team for two years, starting in 43 races and scoring 12 points, finishing sixth in this year’s Austrian Grand Prix and eighth in the British Grand Prix.
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“In addition, he covered the role of reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
“Scuderia Ferrari thanks Mick for these four years and the many kilometres covered together, and wishes him all the best for the future.”
Schumacher, 23, was axed by Haas as a driver for the 2023 campaign in favour of the experienced Nico Hulkenberg, 35, after struggling to get to grips with F1.
The German failed to gain a single point in his debut season in 2021.
He then improved in 2022, along with the car, and finished in 16th place in the Drivers’ Championship.
However, his 12 points accrued still left him 13 points behind team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
After the 2021 season, it was revealed that Mick Schumacher had caused more damage to his car in that campaign than any other driver.
The German racked up a £4million bill for the Haas team after requiring eight new front wings and nine sets of suspension.
Ahead of his deal with Mercedes, Schumacher said he was humbled to hear of Toto Wolff’s interest.
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He commented: “Mercedes is an awesome brand and what they’ve achieved in Formula 1 is incredible.
“For sure I am looking at my options, and Mercedes is a part of it.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
