Mick Schumacher and Formula 1 – the 25-year-old has been hoping for a return to the “premier class” for some time. Now the dream of further races could be completely over.
Mick Schumacher’s chance of a Formula 1 comeback as a regular driver seems to be gone. According to a report on the homepage of the specialist magazine “Auto, Motor und Sport”, the 20-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto will get the place next to Nico Hülkenberg next year. Apparently the contract is already fixed and the announcement is imminent, it was said on the sidelines of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Bortoleto, who comes from São Paulo, is currently leading the overall standings in his first year in Formula 2, having already won the Formula 3 championship as a rookie in 2023. He is also working as a development driver for McLaren this year. “As far as McLaren is concerned, we will not deny him the opportunity to drive in Formula 1,” said team boss Andrea Stella in São Paulo.
Bortoleto would sit in the Sauber instead of the Finn Valtteri Bottas, Hülkenberg would take over the cockpit from the Chinese Guanyu Zhou. Neither current driver has scored a single point this year, and Sauber is last in the constructors’ championship.
Next year, Hülkenberg will move from Haas to Sauber, and from 2026 the racing team will compete as an Audi team. In addition to the 37-year-old native of the Rhineland, those responsible decided on a newcomer. It remains to be seen how great Mick Schumacher’s chances of getting the currently only officially available place in the driver field for 2025 really were. Project manager Mattia Binotto recently said that the 25-year-old was also on the list.
The son of record world champion Michael Schumacher came to the American Haas team in 2021 after his titles in the Formula 3 and Formula 2 junior series. However, in two years he also struggled there with the car, which was rarely competitive, and did not have an easy time of it under the then team boss Günther Steiner.
His contract was not extended; he has been a test and reserve driver for Mercedes since 2023. This year he will also be competing for Alpine in the Endurance World Championship. When a cockpit had to be filled there for 2025, he lost out to the Australian Jack Doohan. When Williams parted ways with Logan Sergeant this season, the British team – partner of Mercedes – opted for Argentinian Franco Colapinto.
This in turn is associated with a rapid rise to Red Bull. A visit by Red Bull’s team boss Christian Horner to the Williams team accommodation at the Interlagos racetrack fueled speculation. The 21-year-old Colapinto will only drive the remaining races for Williams this year, followed by Carlos Sainz from Ferrari. And at Red Bull the place next to world champion Max Verstappen could become available, even if his colleague Sergio Pérez stubbornly described reports of this as rumors.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and F1 Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our segment on the latest developments in Formula 1. Today, we’re diving into the future of Mick Schumacher in the sport. Joining us is renowned F1 analyst and commentator, Alex Bradley. Alex, thank you for being here.
Alex Bradley (AB): It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me!
TNE: Let’s jump right in. Mick Schumacher’s dream of returning to Formula 1 seems to be slipping away, especially with reports that Gabriel Bortoleto is poised to join the grid next year. What do you make of this situation?
AB: It’s indeed a challenging moment for Mick. After the uncertainty surrounding his career since leaving Haas at the end of last season, this news about Bortoleto really brings to light the stiff competition in F1. Bortoleto has shown impressive talent, leading the F2 standings and thriving in his debut season, which makes him a strong candidate for promotion.
TNE: You mentioned Bortoleto’s success in F2. He’s also had a fantastic year as a rookie in F3. What do you think sets him apart from other drivers, including Mick?
AB: Bortoleto’s early career success is quite telling. Winning the F3 championship in his rookie year showcases not only his speed and adaptability but also his ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Mick has struggled to find that consistent form during his time in F1, and that contrast plays a significant role in teams’ decisions about driver line-ups.
TNE: It seems the landscape of driver line-ups is constantly shifting. With Nico Hülkenberg moving to Sauber and the team set to become Audi in 2026, how significant is this transition for both the team and Mick?
AB: The transition is huge. Sauber moving to Audi ownership signifies a new era, and having a seasoned driver like Hülkenberg will bring experience to the team. However, it complicates Mick’s prospects. Sauber is looking for drivers who can immediately bring results, especially after a lackluster performance this year. This pressure makes it difficult for Mick to carve out a spot with the current dynamics.
TNE: What do you think are Mick’s options moving forward? Is there any chance he could still find a place on the grid in future seasons?
AB: There are always options in motorsport, but Mick may need to consider various paths. Whether that’s proving himself in another series or perhaps testing roles in development—like what Bortoleto has been doing with McLaren—could be avenues to stay relevant. However, as we see, the competition is fierce, and opportunities are scarce.
TNE: It’s disheartening for fans who have been rooting for him. If he doesn’t end up in F1, what do you think his legacy in the sport will be?
AB: Mick’s legacy in F1, if he doesn’t return, may be complicated. He carries the Schumacher name, which comes with immense expectations. While he may not have had the results to match his father’s legacy, his journey is still significant. It highlights the reality of F1 where talent alone doesn’t always guarantee success. His perseverance and ability to navigate through challenges will resonate with fans regardless.
TNE: Some thought Mick had what it takes to succeed in F1, especially being part of such an iconic family. As we look to the future, what advice would you give to young drivers observing this situation?
AB: I would say to focus on development and the long game. Every driver’s journey is unique, and setbacks can be as informative as successes. Stay hungry, adapt quickly, and when opportunities arise—like Bortoleto capitalized—make the most of them.
TNE: Wise words, Alex. Thank you for shedding light on Mick Schumacher’s plight in Formula 1 and the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
AB: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the world of F1.
TNE: We appreciate your insights. Until next time, Formula 1 fans!