Mick Schumacher completes first Mercedes seat fit as he settles into reserve driver role

Mercedes have shared photos of reserve driver Mick Schumacher completing a seat fit ahead of the new F1 season, during which he will provide backup to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Schumacher made his F1 debut with Haas in 2021 and continued through 2022, but the German was dropped in favour of compatriot Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 amid a mixed run of results that saw him claim 12 points from 43 starts.

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With few full-time opportunities elsewhere on the grid, Schumacher ultimately signed with Mercedes as their new reserve, meaning the 23-year-old will step in if either Hamilton or Russell cannot race.

On Tuesday night, Mercedes shared pictures of a smiling Schumacher sitting in the cockpit and getting a custom seat moulded around him, should the aforementioned situation arise, or for any potential testing duties.

Schumacher’s deal with Mercedes follows on from his father, seven-time F1 world champion Michael, racing for the Silver Arrows from 2010-12, along with earlier stints in sportscars and the DTM touring car series.

After joining Mercedes, Schumacher junior said: “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.

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“I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss] 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.”