Wolff provides update on possible Schumacher F1 comeback

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff says it will not be easy for Mick Schumacher to return to an F1 race seat for 2024.

Since being dropped by Haas at the end of 2022, Schumacher has taken on a reserve driver role with Mercedes, who also supply power units to McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams.

Under the terms of Mercedes' agreements with those teams, Schumacher is also available as a reserve driver for McLaren and Williams, should either of those squads need a replacement.

With Williams' Logan Sargeant having flattered to deceive so far in his rookie F1 season, there have been rumours that the Grove squad may look to replace him with Schumacher at some point.

However, Wolff moved to temper expectations that Schumacher may be in line for a swift return to a race seat, noting that many seats for next year have already been filled.

"It's a difficult situation because [Mercedes] is closed, and I would wish for Mick to get a seat, and he deserves it," Wolff told Sky Deutschland.

"The situation in 2024 is unfavourable, in 2025 a few doors will open again, but we have to wait and see how things develop at Williams, so it’s not easy.

"We have to be careful, because if we support Mick too much, then of course there are critics who would like to make things difficult who then come crawling out of the woodwork."