A rumor is circulating that Mick Schumacher, former Haas F1 Team driver, might return in the next few seasons…
Schumacher is currently F1 reserve driver for Mercedes AMG and a full-time driver for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), but talks are swirling about a potential F1 comeback for the next season. But how likely is this?
Read more:
- Mick Schumacher still has a chance to return in Formula 1
- How does Renault plan to transform Alpine F1 Team into Alpine Hypertech?
A tough career in Formula 1
Mick Schumacher start driving in Formula 1 in 2021 with Haas F1 Team after winning the 2020 Formula 2 championship. Despite his undeniable talent in FIA F2, his time at Haas was tough, mainly due to the car’s lack of competitiveness—it was the worst car on the grid. Schumacher competed in 43 Grands Prix over two seasons from 2021 to 2022, paired with Mazepin and later Magnussen. However, a lack of results, points, and very costly crashes (As in Monaco or Suzuka in 2022, for example) led to an early contract termination. Haas F1 Team boss Gunther Steiner grew increasingly frustrated with Schumacher’s mistakes, and by 2023, he replaced the young German by another one: Nico Hülkenberg, leaving Schumacher without a seat despite support from his friends F1 drivers Vettel and Ocon. I remember I was very disappointed. I think the conditions clearly weren’t ideal for him to show his best.
Schumacher in Endurance racing for Alpine
After he lose his F1 steering wheel, Schumacher didn’t stay without seat for long. In 2023, he joined Mercedes AMG as a reserve driver. Toto Wolff has always recognized his talent and ensured he kept a foothold in Formula 1, even if it wasn’t in a full-time race seat. For the 2024 season, Schumacher moved to endurance racing with Alpine, competing in the Hypercar (LMDh) category. He adapted quickly to the discipline and even finish on the podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji in Japan few months ago. Alpine is eager to retain Mick in their endurance team, but Schumacher has made no secret of his intention to return to Formula 1, regardless of which team gives him the chance.
How can Schumacher return to Formula 1?
The real question is could Alpine F1 Team provide Schumacher a seat 2025? The French team has already signed Jack Doohan (Alpine Academy young driver) to replace Esteban Ocon who is going to Haas. Pierre Gasly’s contract has been extended for next season despite Gasly’s frustration with the car’s performance. In my opinion it’s unlikely he’ll leave the team. So, Schumacher in an Alpine single might not happen immediately, despite his strong relationship with the constructor through. However, Schumacher has other options. Stake F1 Team (formerly Sauber), which will transition to Audi in 2026, has yet to announce its second driver for 2025. As a young yet experienced German driver with significant marketing appeal, Schumacher could position himself as a strategic choice alongside Hülkenberg. There’s also the question of Mercedes-AMG’s future; if Kimi Antonelli underperforms, could Mick find a seat there? His F1 return seems increasingly likely in a landscape where few seats are available.
This article explores Mick Schumacher’s career path, his willingness to returning to Formula 1, and the teams that might offer him a seat in 2025. With Alpine F1 Team and the 2026 Audi project in the mix, Schumacher could reappear on the F1 grid as a full-time driver.