Prominent German ex-F1 drivers are encouraging Mick Schumacher to preserve his Mercedes reserve role for 2024.
Schumacher, after spending two seasons with Haas during 2021 and 2022, was released. Presently, he’s being associated with a potential spot in Alpine’s forthcoming prototype Le Mans and world endurance project for 2024.
Yet, Toto Wolff has indicated that the 24-year-old has the option to continue as Mercedes’ designated F1 reserve. Hans-Joachim Stuck, a seasoned German racer, perceives this as a sensible path.
“If he doesn’t stay in Formula 1, he’s out,” the 72-year-old told Eurosport.
“It’s a difficult decision for him. We’ll have to wait and see where he ends up but it’s important that he at least keeps his job at Mercedes.
“He’s in good hands there with a good chance. If he just leaves now, he’ll be out. But only he can really decide what direction his career takes.”
Echoing Stuck’s thoughts, another ex-F1 driver from Germany, Nick Heidfeld, offers similar advice.
“He (Schumacher) has to try to always keep one foot in Formula 1 – even if only as a test driver,” the 46-year-old former Sauber and BMW driver told Sport1.
“I was also a test driver for Pirelli and Mercedes, and we’ve also seen it with Nico Hulkenberg who was written off three times and is now firmly back in the saddle.
“You always have to believe in yourself and in the possibility,” said Heidfeld. “You can’t hold back and you have to look for your chances. I hope and think Mick will do that and get the right advice.”
