07 December 2023 , 10:07
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Mick Schumacher is not giving up on a Formula 1 return despite accepting defeat in his search for a 2024 race seat.
The German racer, son of seven-time world champion Michael, spent two seasons racing for Haas after following in his father's footsteps. But his F1 career hit a roadblock when he was axed by the bottom-dwelling team.
Schumacher was quickly snapped up by Mercedes as a reserve and he has spent the last year still in the paddock and working on a swift return to the grid. But with most drivers on multi-year deals there were few opportunities.
Williams' confirmation that Logan Sargeant will get a second season ended any slim hopes the 24-year-old still had of a 2024 berth. But he's not giving up on his F1 career just yet.
Far more racers are out of contract in 12 months' time and the driver market is expected to be a lot more active. And so Schumacher is still holding out hope that there may be a place for him in 2025.
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"I know I have to convince other people that I deserve a seat in Formula 1," he told the official F1 website. "Unfortunately a lot of the contracts are multi-year deals so there is not really an opening for next year. So, it's a bit of a tough spot to be in, but for 2025 there is a lot more openings and we will have to see."
Schumacher will remain a reserve for Mercedes next year. But those duties will be combined with his full-time driving responsibilities in the World Endurance Championship, in which he will be racing for Alpine after a successful test.
Keeping himself race-sharp will be vital to his chances of getting back on the F1 grid. And he remains insistent that is still his main aim despite having accepted the need to seek opportunities in other series.
Schumacher added: "I think the important thing for me is not to be outside a car for too long and that's why we are trying to find a spot where we can race next year. Things are looking pretty good, [but] unfortunately not for Formula 1.
"Nonetheless I will be keeping very close ties to Formula 1 and hopefully that will allow me to also prove myself to the people of Formula 1 that I still deserve a chance in the pinnacle of motorsport and that I belong here."