Mercedes has confirmed that Mick Schumacher will step down from his role as the team’s reserve driver at the end of 2024, bringing his two-year stint with the Brackley squad to a close.

The young German joined the team in 2023 after a two-season tenure with Haas, where he made his Formula 1 debut but was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for 2023.

During his time with Mercedes, Schumacher played a crucial role in the team’s simulator program, providing valuable feedback during tests and race weekends. While working with the Silver Arrows, he also took part in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine, where he competed in iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and helped secure the team’s first podium finish in at the 6 Hours of Fuji.

The son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher was eyeing a return to the F1 grid full-time in 2025, however, despite his efforts, opportunities at Alpine and Stake did not result in a contract.

As a result, Schumacher now looks to explore new opportunities beyond Mercedes, while confirming he will continue racing with Alpine in WEC.

His place will most likely go to Valtteri Bottas, who will leave Sauber at the end of 2024 and recently admitted that he would be interested in returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver.

Schumacher said: "I am grateful to Toto [Wolff] and the entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years. 

"They have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better.

"But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing.

"I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love."

Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, added: "Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years.

"From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him.

"From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.

"However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships.

"As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours."