Schumacher to depart Mercedes F1 reserve role

©Mercedes

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Mercedes has confirmed that F1 reserve driver Mick Schumacher has chosen to part ways with the Brackley squad at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Schumacher joined Mercedes at the start of 2023 after competing in Formula 1 for two seasons with Haas. The 25-year-old handled simulator duties with the team, providing valuable feedback on race weekends while also taking part in several on-track tests.

This year, Schumacher dovetailed his F1 commitments with a full programme with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship during which he scored the French manufacturer’s maiden podium in Fuji.

"Mick's hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years,” commented Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

“From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn't have asked for any more from him. From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.

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"However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships.

“As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

©Mercedes

Schumacher added: "I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years.

“They have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better. But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough.

“I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”

While a deal has yet to be formally announced, it is believed that Mercedes will contract with outgoing Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas as Schumacher’s replacement.

It would be a homecoming for the 35-year-old Finn who spent five seasons with Mercedes between 2018 and 2021 during which Bottas won all of his ten career wins in Formula 1.

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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.