Mick Schumacher, the official reserve driver for Mercedes, completed a full day of testing with McLaren at the Portimao circuit as part of McLaren’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program.
As McLaren is a customer of Mercedes, Schumacher also serves as their reserve driver. He had the opportunity to drive the 2021 McLaren MCL35M during the test at the Algarve circuit.
Mick's with us today! ?@SchumacherMick, who is our reserve F1 driver, is testing our 2021 MCL35M with the team in Portimão. ??
Joining Mick are some of our mechanic and engineering apprentices and interns, gaining valuable experience working in a trackside environment. ?? pic.twitter.com/40SMUziUdm
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 5, 2023
McLaren confirmed the news, marking Schumacher’s second Formula 1 test of the year. He previously conducted a full day of tyre testing for Mercedes in Barcelona after the Spanish Grand Prix.
McLaren organized the private test at Portimao to provide valuable trackside experience for some of their less experienced staff members. They wrote on social media: “Joining Mick are some of our mechanic and engineering apprentices and interns, gaining valuable experience working in a trackside environment.”
After the day of running, Schumacher expressed his satisfaction with the test, saying, “We did so many laps out there and a fair few sets [of tyres] as well, so it’s been really good to get that experience with the team. They’re a great team, a great bunch of people, and I’m super excited to hopefully get back out there soon.”
Schumacher, who previously raced for Haas, is currently assessing his options for a potential return to the grid in 2024. He will also be driving his father Michael Schumacher’s Mercedes W02 from the 2011 season at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later in July, providing him with another opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car.
