Toto Wolff has identified Mick Schumacher's "calm and methodical approach" to Formula 1 as a key reason for hiring the former Haas driver for 2023. Schumacher lost his seat at Haas just before the end of the 2022 season and, with no other race seat options available in F1 for '23, was forced into looking for a reserve slot. Wolff was open to the idea of Schumacher coming aboard to shadow Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, but said it depended on what the German and his management wanted to do. It was announced shortly before the Mercedes confirmation that Schumacher would be leaving the Ferrari Driver Academy after four seasons , freeing him to sign with the Brackley squad - where his father Michael raced between 2010 and 2012.
Wolff praises Schumacher
Schumacher will complete simulator work alongside travelling to every race in 2023 as understudy to Hamilton and Russell, with his recent race experience also being a key pulling point for Mercedes and Wolff. "Mick is a talented young driver and we're delighted to have him join the team," Wolff explained. "He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. "These are all important qualities and we're excited for him to help us develop the W14. "We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula 1 under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis or George, should that need arise." Markus Schäfer, the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team also highlighted that Schumacher "is integral to the big plans for 2023 as part of the Mercedes family."
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