Schumacher Name Will No Longer Be in Formula 1

Mick Schumacher has announced his departure from the Mercedes team as a reserve driver in Formula 1, bringing an end to his brief stint in the sport’s top category, where he failed to achieve the success expected of him. At 25 years old, Schumacher will leave the German team at the end of the 2024 season, which concludes next week at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His new focus will be on the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he will compete in the Hypercar category with the Alpine team, including the iconic Le Mans race.

Mick Schumacher’s Role at Mercedes and a Potential Bottas Return

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has spoken highly of Mick Schumacher’s contributions to the team since joining as a reserve driver. Although Schumacher has not had a full-time seat in Formula 1 since leaving Haas at the end of 2022, his behind-the-scenes work at Mercedes has been instrumental in supporting the race team.

Wolff emphasized Schumacher’s seamless integration into the Mercedes setup, particularly his simulator work, which helps refine the car’s performance for race weekends. His technical feedback and dedication have reportedly been crucial in assisting both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell with car setup adjustments. Schumacher’s efforts ensure the team can make real-time improvements, giving the drivers a competitive edge. Wolff’s praise suggests that Schumacher has gained significant trust within the organization, potentially keeping his name in contention for a future F1 seat.

Could Valtteri Bottas Make a Mercedes Comeback?

Amid ongoing speculation about Mercedes’ future driver lineup, rumors about a potential return for Valtteri Bottas have surfaced. Bottas, who raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 before moving to Alfa Romeo (now Stake F1), remains a highly experienced and reliable driver.

His tenure at Mercedes saw him play a crucial role in helping the team secure multiple Constructors’ Championships, often acting as a strong teammate to Lewis Hamilton. While Bottas is currently under contract with Stake F1, his future beyond 2025 is uncertain, especially with Audi’s full takeover of the team looming in 2026.

With Lewis Hamilton set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, the team faces a critical decision regarding its driver lineup. While George Russell is expected to step into a leadership role, the second seat remains open. Bottas’ familiarity with the team, strong work ethic, and proven track record could make him an attractive option for Mercedes, especially if they seek stability during a transitional period.

However, Mercedes may also consider younger prospects such as Mick Schumacher or Kimi Antonelli, depending on their long-term strategy. Whether Bottas will return remains uncertain, but given his history with the team and Wolff’s continued admiration for him, it’s a scenario that cannot be ruled out.