Mick Schumacher joined Mercedes as reserve driver after Ferrari ended their four-year relationship with him.

Seven-time world champion and Ferrari legend Michael’s son, Schumacher, was searching for his subsequent transfer in Formulation 1 after being dropped by Haas this 12 months after two overwhelming seasons.

On Thursday, shortly after Ferrari confirmed they might half methods with the 23-year-old, Mercedes formally introduced him as reserve driver for the 2023 season.

Whereas the brand new function signifies that Schumacher will perform simulator duties at Mercedes’ Brackley plant and race as a possible substitute for Lewis Hamilton or George Russell, it means Schumacher will be unable to compete in sure races whereas additionally being eligible for Mercedes accomplice groups. Williams and Aston Martin.

It additionally signifies that Schumacher has one foot within the door for a future in F1. Former Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries received a full-time F1 drive with AlphaTauri in 2023 after a powerful efficiency for Williams on the Italian Grand Prix in September.

The function continues Schumacher’s relationship with Mercedes, which financed Michael’s early profession. He additionally raced for Mercedes between 2010 and 2012, the primary three seasons since his return to the F1 grid.

Mick joined the Ferrari driver program in 2019, a 12 months after successful the Formulation 3 championship. He received the Formulation 2 title in 2020 and superior to F1 with Haas in 2021.

Schumacher struggled with an unbeatable automobile in his first 12 months. However in 2022, he was typically outperformed by his extra skilled teammate Kevin Magnussen, scoring factors in simply two races. Haas will exchange Nico Hulkenberg in 2022.