Mick Schumacher learns F1 fate as son of icon Michael hopes for second chance
Mick Schumacher hasn't competed in an F1 Grand Prix since the 2022 season.
Mick Schumacher won’t be returning to the F1 grid in 2025 after reportedly being snubbed by Audi. The 25-year-old has been on the market for a seat ever since being axed by Haas at the end of 2022, after Guenther Steiner lost patience following a series of financially damaging crashes.
Schumacher, the son of legendary seven-time world champion Michael, has duly spent the past two seasons at Mercedes as a reserve driver.
During that time, he is said to have spent vital time on the F1 simulator in preparation for a potential return next season.
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But despite the departure of Lewis Hamilton, team principal Toto Wolff has instead favoured picking Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli as his replacement. The German was then linked with a move to Sauber, who are set to benefit from new power units for the 2026 season when they’re taken over by Audi.
However, according to Bild, chief technical officer Mattia Binotto has ruled out a move for the second generation driver. He previously worked with Schumacher Jnr on the Ferrari development programme, and seemingly doesn’t consider him the right man to lead Sauber’s bid to become a force in F1.
With Audi a German car manufacturer, it was widely perceived that Schumacher’s nationality may help him get a seat. Compatriot Nico Hulkenberg has already been confirmed as part of their line-up, with Valtteri Bottas now looking the favourite to keep his own place with the team.
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The 35-year-old has previously said he is only interested in a multi-year deal rather than a short-term contract extension. But the development looks set to leave Schumacher out in the cold for another 12 months.
As well as serving as back-up to Hamilton and George Russell, Bottas also joined Alpine’s endurance programme this year, and drove at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But his hopes of replacing Esteban Ocon at Alpine have already been scuppered with the F1 team announcing Jack Doohan will drive with Pierre Gasly next season.
Schumacher has previously been coy over his desire to join Sauber, telling Sky Germany: “There will be a decision in September. So we have to wait and see what happens. Formula 1 is the big goal, it always was and it always will be.
“That’s why everything else has to stand still for now. I’ll deal with it if the time comes and Plan A doesn't work. Plan B must be in the back of your mind. I don't know where it's going at the moment.”
Schumacher currently has 43 Grand Prix starts to his name. He failed to score a single point in his maiden season, but did manage 12 in the 2022 season after two top-10 finishes alongside Kevin Magnussen.
