Mick Schumacher joined Haas in 2021 and while he had a stellar racing record in lower tiers of racing, he has only shown limited glimpses of his talent in F1.
With his new deal at Mercedes as their reserve driver, he has a great chance of gaining some valuable experience at a top team.
It has been speculated that he has been recruited keeping a long-term goal in mind, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the twilight of his career.
Mick was sacked by Haas at the end of last season and when Mercedes offered him the position, it would have been a no-brainer for the son of Michael Schumacher.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted that Mick’s future does not necessarily have to be at Mercedes but he would like it to be here.
Mick’s uncle Ralf Schumacher, who is a 6-time GP winner, said his nephew could replace Hamilton as early as 2024.
Ralf suggested that Hamilton’s time in the sport may be up, basing his assessment on the fact that teammate George Russell outscored him in his debut season with the Silver Arrows.
Ralf felt that Hamilton would himself lose the desire to compete in F1 if he is outscored by Russell again this season and that could pave the way for Mick’s entry in 2024.
“Let’s assume George Russell is faster than Lewis Hamilton again,” he said.
“Will Lewis then continue at all?
“It will be exciting to find out.”
Mick Schumacher has stayed away from any speculation surrounding Hamilton’s future and has instead chosen to focus on the opportunity he has in front of him.
“I will give my all in this very competitive and professional environment and will be at all the races in the coming season,” Mick said.
“I want to position myself in such a way that I will be back on the grid in 2024.”
Wolff has suggested that he is ironing out the details of a contract extension for Hamilton, but with the season fast approaching and still no update on the matter, Hamilton’s long-term future at Mercedes is currently unclear.
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