Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has praised the valuable contribution of Mick Schumacher behind the scenes, highlighting the benefits of having the young driver support the team in their pursuit of closing the gap to Red Bull.
Schumacher joined Mercedes ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season after his departure from Haas, following a challenging two-year period with the American outfit. Although his presence is not directly felt on the F1 grid this year, Wolff emphasized the significant impact Schumacher has had on the team’s performance, particularly through his work on the simulator.
During the European leg of the season, Schumacher dedicates considerable time to the Mercedes simulator on Friday evenings before joining the team at the trackside. This allows him to be on standby should either Lewis Hamilton or George Russell be unable to compete. Schumacher’s services as a reserve driver are also available to McLaren.
Wolff expressed his appreciation for having a mature, successful, and experienced Formula 1 driver supporting the team. He highlighted the advantage of Schumacher’s feedback in the simulator, which provides valuable insights and data for the team’s performance on Saturdays.
Following Mercedes’ significant upgrade to the W14, which paid off with an improved performance at the Spanish Grand Prix and a double podium finish, both Hamilton and Russell acknowledged Schumacher’s contributions to the team’s turnaround. The drivers specifically mentioned his work in the simulator, aligning with Wolff’s earlier comments.
Hamilton commented on the challenging balance during Friday’s practice sessions but credited the overnight improvements, attributing them to the work done by Schumacher and the simulator team. Russell echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, acknowledging the late-night efforts of Schumacher and the simulator team to help fine-tune the car’s setup for the race.
Schumacher aims to return to the Formula 1 grid in 2024, but with no concrete opportunities emerging at the moment, his future in the sport remains uncertain. Nonetheless, his involvement with Mercedes as a reserve driver and simulator expert showcases his dedication and commitment to honing his skills while supporting the team’s overall performance.
As Mercedes continues its pursuit of success and narrowing the gap to Red Bull, Schumacher’s expertise and contribution behind the scenes will undoubtedly remain a valuable asset to the team throughout the season.
