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According to four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, his compatriot Mick Schumacher faces a very difficult task to try to get a second chance as a racing driver in Formula 1.
Schumacher was pushed aside from the Haas F1 team at the end of last year but was picked up by Mercedes and Toto Wolff. At Mercedes he was given the role of test and reserve driver, a role in which Schumacher could gain extra experience and at the same time still have a foot in the door at F1.
It was widely expected that Mick Schumacher would try to get back on the Formula 1 starting grid in 2024. On paper there are still several ‘free’ racing seats, but according to Sebastian Vettel, many of those so-called ‘free’ racing seats are actually already semi-occupied.
“The situation is difficult at the moment,” Vettel told ‘Sky Germany’ last weekend at the Nrburgring. “There may still be a racing seat or something available and it is currently not easy to get that racing seat. But there is always a chance.”
“I think it’s important that things continue to move in a certain direction for him next year. That he continues to work on his second chance.”
Schumacher seems to have a chance at Sauber, the current Alfa Romeo that will become Audi’s factory team from 2026. According to Vettel, Mick Schumacher’s presence in Formula 1 could be very important for Germany. At the same time, however, it could also be that Mick Schumacher will not be on the F1 starting grid in 2024 and will have to continue working on a full-fledged F1 comeback that will only take place later.
“From a German perspective it is essential,” said Vettel. “He is not only the biggest young talent, he is probably also the only young talent in Germany.”