Mick Schumacher’s F1 future might hold new possibilities following Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, and the Brackley squad’s reserve driver is “excited to see” how events will pan out in the coming year.
This year, Schumacher is set to dovetail his reserve driver duties with Mercedes with his Alpine sportscar obligations in the World Endurance Championship.
The 24-year-old was present yesterday in Enstone for the French manufacturer’s dual F1/WEC presentation and was inevitably asked for his take on last week’s bombshell news regarding Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari.
As Mercedes’ back-up driver, Schumacher is logically considered as a potential successor to the seven-time world champion, although he steered clear of weighing in on his chances of filling Hamilton’s seat alongside George Russell in 2025.
But given the unexpected developments in F1 of late, Schumacher is eager to see what the future may hold.
“Obviously it kind of hit everybody as a shock – and so it did to me,” he said, commenting on Hamilton’s move to Maranello.
“But on the other hand, everybody has to do what feels right to them.
“What is going to happen in the next year or weeks is still to be revealed and also for me. So I’m just excited to see what happens in the future.”
Schumacher's reserve role with Mercedes provides him with valuable exposure and access to the team's inner workings. His performance in the WEC, a demanding arena requiring versatility and adaptability, could further impress.
Walking the hallowed halls of Enstone on Wednesday, where his father forged motorsport history, Schumacher admitted it was an experience filled with a "special feeling".
As the former home of the original Benetton outfit, the Enstone factory witnessed Michael Schumacher conquer two world titles, igniting a legacy that continues to inspire.
“Because obviously my dad has raced here and won his first championships with Benetton with a Renault engine,” Mick said.
“So it’s an interesting kind of path because it kind of feels like I’ve made all the steps that he has done in motorsport.”
The roar of Le Mans will echo for the first time for Schumacher this year, but also with a unique resonance as Alpine will be tackling the mighty Ferrari Hypercar team whose drivers the German knows well from his days as a Ferrari protégé.
While his dedication to Alpine's victory remains unwavering, a flicker of personal ambition against his old stomping ground might just add fuel to his competitive fire.
“I guess it’s not much different compared to how it would feel to go against a competitor at any time,” he said.
“I think that we all respect each other and I think we’re all just keen on getting into racing and the best may win.”
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