01 February 2023 , 17:01
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Mick Schumacher could race for McLaren this year after a deal was struck with engine supplier Mercedes.
The German is without a Formula 1 race seat for the upcoming season, after losing his place on the grid with Haas after two years. Instead, his primary role will be as a reserve for the Silver Arrows, who wasted little time before snapping him up.
It means Schumacher will be on standby to fill in for either Lewis Hamilton or George Russell, should they be forced to miss a race. On top of those potential opportunities, it was announced on Wednesday that another team might also give him the chance to drive.
McLaren, a Mercedes engine customer, will also be able to call up the German if needed. It means he will also be on standby in case either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri are unable to take part in a race weekend.
The news was made public in a social media post. The McLaren team wrote: "McLaren will be able to call on @SchumacherMick as a reserve driver during the 2023 F1 season as part of our arrangement with Mercedes. Welcome to the family, Mick."
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Schumacher completed a seat fit with Mercedes earlier this week, so the team are prepared to set up the car for him at short notice if required this year. McLaren's announcement also showed that they have made similar preparations, as the statement was accompanied by a photo of Schumacher sitting in a McLaren cockpit.
As the team pointed out, it would be something of a "full circle" if Schumacher were to drive a McLaren. New team boss Andrea Stella previously spent many years working for Ferrari, during which time one of his roles was as a performance engineer to his dad Michael.
Schumacher is fresh from competing at the Race of Champions in northern Sweden last weekend. He represented Team Germany alongside Sebastian Vettel, and impressed by finishing as runner up to the much more experienced rallycross driver Mattias Ekstrom.
The Swede said after his victory: "I had two finals against Michael when I was here, and it was very emotional to race against Mick. I know Michael so well, we had so many great battles. I had so many special moments with Michael and I am sure [Mick's] time is ahead of him."