Striking: Schumacher steps in at McLaren during test, this is why

F1 News

mick schumacher test mclaren silverstone
11 July at 16:30
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  • Corwin Kunst

After the British Grand Prix, Haas F1, Williams and McLaren were left at Silverstone for a tyre test for Pirelli. Pietro Fittipaldi (third driver Haas F1) and Alexander Albon were in action for the former two teams. But at McLaren, we saw one standout in the car: Mick Schumacher.

After his contract at Haas F1 was not renewed last year, Schumacher did not find a new seat in Formula 1. The German driver competes for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship this year, but his ties with Mercedes were not fully broken. The 25-year-old driver is still the team's reserve driver, but why is he driving for McLaren?

That stems from the fact that the Woking-based racing stable does not have its own test and reserve driver. For that, they rely on Mercedes, the team that also supplies them with engines. McLaren wanted to give Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri some rest after an intensive triple-header, so Schumacher stepped in in the MCL38.

Schumacher, who completed 53 laps at Silverstone, hopes to return to the grid in 2025, possibly at Alpine where a spot has become vacant with the departure of Esteban Ocon. Schumacher has stiff competition, however, as junior Jack Doohan is also aiming for the spot next to Pierre Gasly. Moreover, Carlos Sainz is linked in the rumour circuit with a move to France.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy