‘I have the feeling’ - Schumacher sets sights on 2026 F1 return

Mick Schumacher still believes he can return to the F1 grid in 2026 - which is now expanding to 11 teams after Cadillac's entry gained final approval. 

Schumacher, the 2020 Formula 2 champion, has not raced in F1 since losing his Haas seat at the end of the 2022 season, although he has sampled Mercedes and McLaren machinery in testing. 

His role as an official Mercedes reserve ended in time for the 2025 season, where he is continuing to drive for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship's hypercar class.

Should the German return to F1 in 2026 as a full-time driver, he would have been out of grand prix racing for four full seasons, although the new breed of cars set for introduction next season could aid his transition if he is successful in landing a drive.

Speaking at the Race of Champions in Sydney, where he was competing in the Nations Cup alongside Sebastian Vettel, Schumacher kept the door open on an F1 return. 

"As I have already said in various interviews, I have the feeling that I also have what it takes for Formula 1," he told Speedweek. 

"We have to see what happens, the year is still long and the goal is to return in 2026. We still have to see exactly what happens."

When a potential deal to sign for Cadillac was mentioned, Schumacher gave a vague response.

"At this point, everything is an option," he said. 

Schumacher also briefly touched on Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, where the Briton is hoping to break the joint-record of seven F1 titles he shares with Mick's father, Michael. 

"It's unusual to see him in red, but I hope he has fun and that he feels comfortable," he added.

"It will certainly also be interesting against Charles Leclerc within the team. It's difficult to say from the outside who will come out on top, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for both of them."