Mick Schumacher handed F1 return boost

Mick Schumacher is being backed for a return to F1 next year by close friend Sebastian Vettel, as rumours of a move to Cadillac gather pace.

Schumacher is known to have attended the brand launch of the American team that will hit the F1 grid next year during the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend. He was also spotted speaking with the team's CEO Dan Towriss.

After being released from his reserve role with Mercedes at the end of last year, Schumacher is now forging a career in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. He has helped his #36 car to third place in the last two races in Imola and Spa.

Schumacher, however, is known to be eager to return to F1 to prove he is far from removed from the driver who struggled at Haas during two miserable seasons in 2021 and 2022.

Four-time F1 champion Vettel, who has partnered with Schumacher in the past for Team Germany in Nations Cup events, does not doubt that the 26-year-old is ready to make a comeback.

"I wish him well," said Vettel, spealking to RTL/ntv and sport.de. "We're in contact, of course.

"I saw how his time in Formula 1 ended. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he gets another chance because I believe he can absolutely keep up with the others."

Vettel feels Schumacher's F1 dream was "difficult to realise" due to Haas being a back-of-the-grid outfit over his two years with the team, adding that, "He didn't feel very comfortable there."

Vettel, however, feels Schumacher is now at "a completely different stage" of his career, given the experience he has gained, not least with Haas, but also with Mercedes, and currently with Alpine in WEC.

"He is much more mature," said Vettel. "And I think he is doing a very good job at Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. It would be nice if he gets a second chance at Cadillac."