MICK SCHUMACHER has described the ’emotional’ experience of working with engineers at Mercedes who were there when his legendary dad Michael was.
Having parted company with Haas at the end of the 2022 season Schumacher has since served as a reserve driver to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes.
Schumacher joined Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2023 season
Father Michael ended his F1 career at the team
By joining Mercedes, Schumacher followed in the footsteps of his father, who joined the Brackley based outfit in 2010 before finally bringing an end to his illustrious career in 2012.
The 24-year-old detailed how working with engineers who had previously been colleagues with his dad made the role more fulfilling.
He said: “What I really appreciate in working with those engineers is that they are genuinely listening to you and your opinion matters, and what is special from an emotional side is that many people who are working for the team now were working here when my dad was driving.”
In a diary entry published on the Mercedes website the German explained how working as backup to the Brits has given him valuable experience.
He wrote: “It’s been fascinating working with Lewis and George. It’s an interesting period for me as I get to look over and work with two fantastic drivers, which you don’t always get to do.
“I’ve learned a lot about what’s important in terms of approaching race weekends; I feel like I’ve already gained so much knowledge to add to my skill set. I didn’t think I would have learned and gained so much so early into my role.”
The former Haas man added that he’s gained a greater understanding of the work that goes on within the paddock on a race day.
He said: “As a driver, you usually do not get to hear what is going on between all the engineers while you are out on the track, so listening in during the sessions has been extremely interesting.
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“I was quite shocked at the season opener in Bahrain, I did not expect the sheer amount of exchange that happens.”
Schumacher, also explained how one of his primary responsibilities is to hone his skills in the simulator, should his services be required by the team at any point.
He said: “My main focus up to now has been working in the simulator. Because I have raced a car under this new set of regulations, I have a good understanding of how to drive them.
“That has helped me in my role so far and hopefully added value for the Team. I will look to be an extra pair of eyes and resource to help with the development programme across the year.
“The simulator team have been super kind to me and great to work with. It’s impressive to drive the sim because it’s just so advanced, and I have been pushing to do more.
“It’s not enough for me to just sit on the side-lines, I want to be helpful wherever I can. Of course, it’s not the real thing and I would love to be driving the W14.”
Schumacher will be hoping to be back on the Formula one grid for the 2024 season after a year on the sidelines.
Schumacher will be hoping to be back on the grid in 2024
