Mercedes reportedly interested in Schumacher for reserve role

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Mick Schumacher is reportedly garnering interest from Mercedes for next season, with the Brackely squad possibly recruiting the German for a reserve role with the team in 2023 should he lose his race seat with Haas.

The US outfit is set to decide its 2023 line-up next week according to team boss Guenther Steiner, with Kevin Magnussen expected to be paired with either Schumacher or potential F1 returnee Nico Hulkenberg.

"I think we can wrap it up pretty quickly," Steiner said ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. "Hopefully next week we can announce something, whatever we’re doing.

"Hopefully, that’s my objective, but I don’t promise it. I hope before [Abu Dhabi]. When I say, ‘I hope,’ it’s not a fact."

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There are currently no options for Schumacher to remain on the grid next season, but a reserve role with Mercedes – a duty also coveted by outgoing McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo – could be the next best thing for the young German.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes is giving serious consideration to bringing Schumacher, who is expected to lose his Ferrari support, into the team for which his father, Michael, raced for three seasons.

But in its report, AMuS also contends that Alpine is taking a keen interest in Schumacher, as academy member Jack Doohan is committed to another season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.