Mick Schumacher has voiced the urgency for a more definite picture concerning his 2024 ambitions.
In Zandvoort, indications emerged that the Williams race seat next to the performing Alex Albon might become available, as young gun Logan Sargeant received a directive to elevate his game.
“You have to earn your place in Formula 1,” newly-appointed team leader James Vowles stated at the Dutch GP.
“Logan needs improvements on consistency, the gap to Alex needs to remain the same and shrink over time,” he further commented. “The rate of learning has to increase now.
“He’s aware of all that. He knows that in front of him is a career and a journey that’s within his power to control.”
Given Vowles’ prior esteemed position as Mercedes’ strategy expert, he maintains a close connection to Toto Wolff. Currently, Wolff guides Mick Schumacher, positioning him as Mercedes’ star reserve driver.
After his two-season relationship with Haas ended last year, Schumacher found himself without a grid slot but got an on-track session with McLaren, who have a Mercedes connection.
“He did a great job in the McLaren tests – at least that’s what I’ve heard,” Mick’s uncle Ralf relayed to Sky Deutschland at Zandvoort.
When probed about the 24-year-old’s chances of gracing the grid next year, Ralf, the brother of Mick’s iconic father Michael, noted: “Formula 1 is very dynamic. Anything can happen.
“Mick is still in the thick of things, thankfully. He just has to have a little patience.”
Yet, Mick, recognizing the ticking clock, expressed the immediate need to draft his 2024 strategies.
He shared at Zandvoort: “I can’t give a time horizon yet. I’m still working on it.
“Time is running out a bit, but at the moment I do need to take my time.”
Someone closely associated with Schumacher hypothesized that facilitating a successful grid comeback for Mick might be in Wolff’s cards, primarily to challenge Red Bull’s decision to skip him for Alpha Tauri.
“I think Toto wants to bring Mick back to Formula 1 to prove something,” the source disclosed to Auto Bild. “To prove something also to Red Bull.”
