Schumacher makes 'golden days' claim in heartfelt message

Mick Schumacher has thanked his fans for all their support following his first podium in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

The #36 Alpine Hypercar team secured third in last weekend's WEC 6 Hours of Fuji, a race which to Schumacher consisted of battles which reminded him of the "golden days". 

It marked the Mercedes F1 reserve driver's first podium in any category since the 2020 Formula 2 feature race in Sochi, Russia. 

Schumacher remains eager to return to the F1 grid, although this looks all but certain to be off the cards for next year. 

Since being replaced at Haas following the conclusion of the 2022 F1 season, it has been a challenging period for the German driver.

Schumacher acknowledged all the support he has received from his supporters recently, after his success in Fuji.

"What a weekend. It’s been a while since I’ve stood on the podium," Schumacher wrote on X. "Good thing it felt like I never left it. 

"I want to thank my two teammates and the team for their hard work day and night. It’s been probably the race with the most battles I’ve ever had, it really felt like the golden days, back in karting. 

"Finally I would like to say a big thank you, to you guys for supporting me through my up and downs and never failing to send me positive messages. 

"Trust me they don’t go unnoticed! You’re all amazing! Grateful to have you on this journey with me."