Mick Schumacher left Formula 1 at the end of 2022 after losing his seat at Haas, but he hasn’t given up on returning to the grid as with the sport expanding to 11 teams in 2026 following Cadillac’s entry, there could be new chances for him.

Since leaving F1, Schumacher has stayed involved by testing for Mercedes and McLaren, and he now races in the World Endurance Championship’s hypercar class with Alpine. His time as a Mercedes reserve driver ended before the 2025 season, and his focus is now on getting back into the pinnacle of motorsport.

If he returns in 2026, Schumacher will have been out of F1 for four full seasons. However, with new cars being introduced that year, the timing might help him adjust more easily. Speaking at the Race of Champions in Sydney, where he competed alongside Sebastian Vettel, Schumacher made it clear he still believes in his F1 potential.

“As I have already said in various interviews, I have the feeling that I also have what it takes for Formula 1,” he told Speedweek.

“We have to see what happens, the year is still long and the goal is to return in 2026. We still have to see exactly what happens.”

When asked about the possibility of joining Cadillac’s new team, Schumacher didn’t reveal much. “At this point, everything is an option,” he said, keeping his future plans open.

He also spoke briefly about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025, where the seven-time champion will try to break the title record he shares with Schumacher’s father, Michael.

“It’s unusual to see him in red, but I hope he has fun and that he feels comfortable,” Mick said.

“It will certainly also be interesting against Charles Leclerc within the team. It’s difficult to say from the outside who will come out on top, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for both of them.”