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Schumacher to replace Hamilton at Mercedes: 'Something could happen there'
- GPblog.com
Ralf Schumacher believes Mick Schumacher has a future at Mercedes. Most eyes are on Audi, but the uncle of the new Mercedes reserve driver also sees opportunities with Lewis Hamilton's expiring contract.
Opportunity at Mercedes
Schumacher will no longer have a permanent seat in Formula 1 in 2023. At Haas, Nico Hulkenberg 's experience was valued more highly and so the young German was pushed aside after two seasons. Yet the son of Michael Schumacher soon found a spot at Mercedes. There, he will start working as a reserve driver in 2023.
''It's a great opportunity for Mick. He can look over the shoulder of a top team at work and learn a lot,'' Ralf said opposite Sport1.de. As a development driver, Mick can learn a lot, but in his role as a reserve, he may also replace George Russell or Lewis Hamilton if either is unable to race.
''We've had this situation more often in the last three years. Although Lewis Hamilton is still an absolute top driver, he is no longer the youngest. Since the tooth of time gnaws. So you never know.''
Schumacher is mainly associated with Audi. That, with Andreas Seidl, already has its desired CEO sitting at Sauber and is keen to commit a German driver to the brand. Bringing Schumacher to Audi in 2024 would therefore make sense. ''Audi would definitely make sense. For Mick and for Audi. But something could also happen at Mercedes.''
Schumacher as Hamilton's replacement
Indeed, according to Ralf, there is also a real possibility of a permanent seat at Mercedes in 2024 for his nephew. ''Let's assume George Russell is faster than Lewis Hamilton again. Will he then continue at all? This will be exciting. But Lewis has so much credit with Mercedes that he decides it himself. In any case, the money will not play a role for him. He has more than enough of that. The decisive factor will be who suits the new car better'', concludes the former F1 driver.
How real Ralf Schumacher's ideas are remains to be seen. It seems unreal that a driver who failed at Haas would get a chance at a top team like Mercedes in 2024 after a gap year. In addition, Hamilton himself has indicated he is keen to extend his contract expiring at the end of 2023, leaving no room at all at the German racetrack.