F1 world champion makes seven-word claim about Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher remains outside of the F1 bubble as a reserve driver for Mercedes after being let go by Haas.
Jacques Villeneuve has claimed that Mick Schumacher's name is the only reason he'd be granted a return to F1. Mick, the son of legendary Ferrari driver Michael, is currently a reserve driver for Mercedes.
The 25-year-old is in his second season in the role, having been ditched by Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign. The German spent two years with the American constructor but failed to impress, picking up just 12 points in two years.
That is despite him excelling in junior formulas, including having won the F2 championship before making the jump to F1. Talk remains rife of Schumacher making a return to F1, with Alpine and future constructor, Audi, both mooted as possible destinations.
Related articles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Villeneuve isn't ruling out a return to the starting grid for Schumacher, although he doesn't believe it would be solely down to his driving ability. Speaking to Instant Casino, the Canadian said: "If a team does employ Mick as an F1 driver, it's because they want the Schumacher image and it's in hope he's better than he was at Haas. It's a gamble that Audi might be willing to take."
The 53-year-old added: "It doesn't seem like any team wants Mick Schumacher to drive for them. The push has been made by Mick and his team, but no one seems to be jumping to get him on their team.
"The problem is his years in F1 didn't conclude in a positive way, he might be doing better and showing promise in the position he's in, but the evidence is there for everyone to see. For teams, it's worrisome, do they want to take the risk of hoping Mick is better than he was? It doesn't look like it at the moment."
Mick's father, Michael, is a legend of the sport thanks to his spell of dominance in the early-2000s. The 55-year-old won a record-breaking seven world championships from 1994 to 2004, including five in a row with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004.
He now holds the record for the most world championship crowns alongside Lewis Hamilton. The younger Schumacher, however, has not experienced that level of success in F1 just yet, although he retains plenty of hunger as he bids to make it back to the top.
With German manufacturer Audi set to take over Sauber in 2026, that could provide his move obvious route back. But with Alpine not having confirmed their line up for next year, he could be back in the sport sooner than he expected.
