Mick Schumacher is working to find a path back into Formula 1. For some time now, the 25-year-old’s options in the paddock have been relatively limited. That said, as drivers and teams advance in their negotiations, Schumacher has increasingly few paths available. Thanks to his Mercedes and Alpine links, Mick Schumacher is part of the driver market equation – but this does not seem enough to get him over the line.
Mick Schumacher is running out of options
Since Haas opted to replace him at the end of 2022, Schumacher has left no doubts about wanting to make an F1 comeback. He spent last year as a Mercedes reserve driver, keeping himself active in the paddock and cultivating ties with different team bosses.
At one stage, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff tried to convince Williams to sign him. Wolff spoke to James Vowles about the qualities Schumacher could bring to the Grove-based team.
Vowles was unconvinced by this proposition, instead preferring to retain Logan Sargeant. Although the American is not expected to continue racing for Williams next year, his replacement will unlikely be Mick Schumacher.
Instead, Valtteri Bottas is the favourite to join the British outfit. Unless Carlos Sainz accelerates his increasingly lengthy decision-making process, the next signing at Grove is relatively well-established.
With a return to Haas off the table, Alpine is the most plausible option for the German to make an F1 comeback.
Low chances at Alpine – other drivers being considered
The French outfit is evaluating several options for next year, with Sainz emerging as a surprise candidate. With Alpine now considering a switch from Renault to Mercedes or Ferrari engines, they are considered a more attractive destination.
An element of intrigue surrounds what Alpine could look like under Flavio Briatore’s leadership. This complicates things for Mick Schumacher – since drivers who were otherwise uninterested in joining Enstone are now entertaining a move there.
Moreover, even putting aside the more established drivers in the market, Jack Doohan is an option for Bruno Famin’s squad. The Alpine team principal has spoken in very glowing terms of the Australian, who is participating in a relatively busy test programme.
In fairness, Schumacher’s efforts in WEC (the World Endurance Championship) should not be dismissed. Generally speaking, his performances in this category have impressed.
That said, this is yet to tip the scale in negotiations. Whilst he is still an active player in the market, the 25-year-old is undoubtedly further down in the pecking order.
