Ralf Schumacher spies potential opening for Mick F1 return

Ralf Schumacher believes Mick Schumacher could make a return to F1 - but only if it is as a stand-in for an injured driver.

Since losing his Haas seat in 2022, Schumacher has been linked with vacancies at Mercedes, Alpine, Stake/Audi and Williams, but has been overlooked on every occasion. 

He will not be on the 2025 grid in a full-time position, meaning it will be 2026 at the earliest before he returns, having committed to a new career with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. 

Schumacher remains a Mercedes reserve driver, but was overlooked in favour of Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton, with Schumacher's uncle Ralf believing his only way back onto a grand prix grid would be injury or illness.

"Formula 1 is a crazy business, For Mick, unfortunately, the subject of Formula 1 is quite unrealistic unless someone drops out due to illness," he told Sky DE.

"He has had to go through a lot recently, he heard via a [social media] post from Alpine that he would not be in the car. I'm sure he's disappointed, but he can deal with the decision."

"It will now be extremely difficult to return to Formula 1, although he would have deserved it given his abilities and achievements. 

"But it is not impossible, I have already experienced too much for that," he added to F1 Insider.

"Who would have thought a few weeks ago that a young driver like Franco Colapinto would suddenly arouse the desire of top teams? Nevertheless, Mick must now concentrate on other series.