'Schumacher off the track with Mercedes for now'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Mick Schumacher will have to be patient for the time being for his chance at Mercedes, report Auto, Motor und Sport. Although the German formation wants to give him many responsibilities next season, a drive in the team's new car is not yet on the cards.
Mercedes decided to give Schumacher a seat fit already, so the talented driver will be able to replace Lewis Hamilton or George Russell if required. However, Schumacher, who will also be McLaren's reserve driver, will mainly have a behind-the-scenes role in 2023.
Toto Wolff is very confident in Schumacher's qualities and reportedly has him present at all Grands Prix in the new racing year. Among other things, the former Haas F1 driver will be involved in meetings and will be able to express his ideas in them.
In between race weekends, the plan is for him to mainly sit in a simulator so that he can mimic effects of upgrades, among other things. In the unlikely event that Hamilton or Russell are not present during a GP, Schumacher should be able to step in.
Patience Schumacher put to the test
For now, however, Schumacher will have to wait for his first laps in his new car. The German medium stated that the three test days in Bahrain are simply reserved for Hamilton and Russell, while Schumacher has too many races to his name to be in action in the first free practice as a junior driver.