F1 News: Mick Schumacher backed for… by former world champion Sebastian Vettel – as Williams consider Logan Sergeant’s… Read More
Mick Schumacher backed for… by former world champion Sebastian Vettel – as Williams consider Logan Sergeant’s… Read More
Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, has thrown his support behind Mick Schumacher for a return to the Formula 1 grid, potentially with Williams. Vettel’s endorsement comes amid reports that the team might replace their current driver, Logan Sargeant, as early as the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, made his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2021 and remained with the team in 2022. However, his stint with Haas was not particularly successful, as he finished 19th and 16th in the drivers’ standings across the two seasons. As a result, Haas opted to replace him with veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season. Since then, Schumacher has taken on the role of reserve driver for Mercedes.
Reports indicate that Williams is considering Schumacher as a replacement for Sargeant, especially after Sargeant’s performance in the Dutch Grand Prix. The American driver lost control of his car during practice, resulting in a crash that caused a fire in the rear of his vehicle. This incident has led to speculation that Williams might be looking for a more experienced and consistent driver to partner with Alex Albon.
Vettel, who has a close friendship with Schumacher, believes that the German driver is the best candidate for the seat at Williams. Speaking to the German publication *Bild*, Vettel emphasized Schumacher’s experience and potential. “If it were my decision, I would tend towards Mick,” Vettel said. “Of course, I am a little biased because he is my friend, but in my eyes, he is the best solution. Mick has two years of experience in Formula 1, has a very broad technical insight through his current role, knows the Mercedes engine, and has matured a lot since leaving Haas.”
Vettel further argued that Schumacher’s knowledge of the Formula 1 field and the tracks gives him a significant advantage over other potential candidates. He believes that Schumacher has been unfairly judged based on his time with Haas, where the car was not competitive. “Of course, he made mistakes, but the car wasn’t competitive. Many people have the wrong image of him,” Vettel added. The former world champion is confident that Schumacher can show the world what he is truly capable of if given another opportunity in Formula 1.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also expressed his support for Schumacher. Wolff highlighted Schumacher’s impressive junior career, where he won championships in Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2, as evidence of his talent. “I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance because we haven’t seen the real Mick,” Wolff said. “You’re not winning F4, F3, and F2 and then not performing in F1… I think he deserves a chance.”
Wolff echoed Vettel’s sentiment that a drive at Williams would be a positive move for Schumacher, although he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with Williams team principal James Vowles. “If the opportunity would be at Williams, it’s something that we would be cheering for,” Wolff said.
However, if Schumacher does replace Sargeant for the Italian Grand Prix, it would likely be a short-term arrangement. Williams confirmed last month that they will be replacing Sargeant for the 2024 season with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Sainz is expected to form a partnership with Thai-British driver Alex Albon, meaning Schumacher’s potential stint at Williams could be temporary.
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