Mick Schumacher still a candidate in Formula 1

Mick Schumacher can still hope for a return to Formula 1. The German is in talks with Audi.

14 October 2024

From: dpa

"We are considering him as a potential driver. He is on our list," said Mattia Binotto, head of Audi's Formula 1 project, to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He praised the German: "I know Mick's potential, his strengths and weaknesses. He is a very consistent and overall fast driver, a team player who works hard."

Audi will start as a new factory team in the premier class of motorsport in 2026, and for the coming season the racing team, currently called Kick Sauber, has the only vacant cockpit. The 25-year-old Schumacher hopes to get this place, but faces strong competition from Finnish veteran Valtteri Bottas, among others.

Don't judge drivers solely by their speed

The Italian Binotto also does not seem to be completely convinced by the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher. "On some tracks he needs a few more attempts to drive the fastest lap," said the 54-year-old. But: Schumacher is "a great guy," and that is important: "You have to judge the drivers not only by how fast they are, but also by their attitude." A decision on who will take second place alongside the German Nico Hülkenberg is to be made before November.

Mattia Binotto talks about Mick Schumacher. © AFP / BEN STANSALL

Binotto knows Schumacher very well from their time together at Ferrari. He was once team boss of the Scuderia, and Schumacher was driving in the Italians' junior program at the time. In 2021 and 2022, Schumacher was a regular driver for the US team Haas, but was unable to recommend himself for a new contract. He is currently a reserve driver at Mercedes and also competes in the World Endurance Championship for the French manufacturer Alpine. His big goal remains to return to Formula 1.

Schlagwörter: Motorsport Formula 1 Mick Schumacher audi