For the first time in 200 days, Mick Schumacher drove a Formula 1 car again. In the tyre test after the Spanish Grand Prix, the German completed 152 laps.
Barcelona – Mick Schumacher had to wait a long time for his comeback in a Formula 1 cockpit. The 24-year-old, who was a regular driver in Team Haas last Formula 1 season, is a reserve driver at Mercedes this year. After Mercedes' strong result at the Spanish Grand Prix, the German was allowed to drive the Mercedes W14 for the first time on Wednesday.
Mick Schumacher | |
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Born: | 22 March 1999 (aged 24 years), Vufflens-le-Château, Switzerland |
Formula 1 debut: | At the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix |
Best race result: | 6th place at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix |
Current status: | Test and reserve driver at Mercedes, reserve driver at McLaren |
Schumacher drives 152 laps in the Mercedes
Schumacher completed a total of 152 laps for tyre manufacturer Pirelli at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – more than twice the total race distance. "I had a great time and enjoyed every second," Schumacher said afterwards. After many laps in the simulator, it was Schumacher's first opportunity to test the car in the real world.
"This experience will definitely stand me in good stead in my role. I now know better what to look out for and what I need to work on," Schumacher summed up his test run. In addition, the German spoke of an improved understanding "of the team's processes at the track". His team was also satisfied after the test. "Mick fitted in well and provided good feedback to the tyre manufacturers as he got used to the car. This will benefit him in his role as reserve driver," Mercedes said in its press release.
Mick Schumacher hopes to return as a regular driver in Formula 1. © IMAGO/DPPI
Schumacher 'grateful' for opportunity in Formula 1 Mercedes
After the race, Michael Schumacher's son also spoke out via Twitter. "What a feeling to be back in the car – and then in a Mercedes. Super grateful for the opportunity. Thank you!" said Schumacher happily. However, it is unclear when the German will sit in a Formula 1 car again.
As a reserve driver in Team Mercedes, Schumacher is currently having a hard time. With seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who sent a curious radio message in Barcelona, Mercedes has a strong line-up. Schumacher will only be used as a reserve driver in a race if one of the two retires.
Schumacher wants to return to the cockpit as a regular driver
The next opportunity for a drive in the Mercedes could come for Schumacher in July. After the Silverstone Grand Prix, the next tyre test will take place, but in the long term the German is aiming for a return as a regular driver. I hope that at some point I will be back in a car," said Schumacher. (Luha)