Mick Schumacher was dropped by Ferrari as a reserve driver on Thursday and immediately signed with their rivals Mercedes in the same role.
After Ferrari announced the 23-year-old German was leaving after four years in their academy by mutual agreement, Mercedes said they had signed him.
Mick’s father Michael won five driver titles with Ferrari before finishing his career with three seasons at Mercedes.
Mick Schumacher raced the last two seasons for Haas, which uses Ferrari engines. He failed to register a point in 2021. This year, his best finish in 22 races was sixth.
He ended up 16th in the driver standings.
Haas dropped him in November and signed 35-year-old compatriot Nico Hulkenberg Mercedes, who struggled to cope with changes to Formula One’s technical rules last season, are busy developing their ‘W14’ model.
In a statement posted on Mercedes’ website, Schumacher displayed his gratitude to everyone involved for “putting their trust” in him.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment,” Schumacher said.
“I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me.
“F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.”
Team principal Toto Wolff believes the former Haas driver as all the “important qualities” to help take the team forward as they continue advancing their W14 car.
“Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the Team,” Wolff said.
“He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14.
“We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula One under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise.”
