F1 24-y/o admits Mercedes talks in ‘next few days’ to replace Lewis Hamilton

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Mick Schumacher expects further talks with Toto Wolff in the ‘next few days’ as the Mercedes chief bids to replace Lewis Hamilton ahead of his move to Ferrari in 2025.

The 24-year-old has revealed that he has already had a ‘brief’ conversation with Wolff about stepping into Mercedes’ soon-to-be vacant seat. Hamilton has left the Silver Arrows to seek a new driver after activating an escape clause in his contract to sign a multi-year Ferrari deal.

Hamilton only committed to spend the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Brackley outfit back in August. But a second winless season in a succession tempted the 39-year-old to replace Carlos Sainz in Maranello. Now, Schumacher may step in from his role as Mercedes’ reserve.

Mercedes reserve driver Schumacher could replace Hamilton in 2025

Schumacher joined Mercedes to support Hamilton and George Russell ahead of the 2023 F1 season after losing his Haas seat. The German spent two years on the grid for the American-owned outfit. He will, again, be Mercedes’ reserve in 2024, whilst racing in WEC with Alpine.

Haas decided to part with the son of seven-time F1 champion, Michael Schumacher, after an underwhelming second season. The 2020 Formula 2 title winner failed to build on his rookie campaign beside Kevin Magnussen. He lost in the head-to-head points battle with 12 to 25.

Schumacher also produced some costly crashes with huge shunts at the Monaco and Saudi Arabian GPs in 2022. So, Haas opted to bring Nico Hulkenberg back into a full-time F1 drive after three years. The 36-year-old outscored Magnussen with nine points to three last year.

Schumacher reveals ‘brief’ talks with Wolff about a 2025 F1 race seat

But spending a season on the sidelines in the Silver Arrows’ garage may now present a route back onto the grid. Schumacher has held ‘brief’ talks with Mercedes team principal Wolff in the wake of Hamilton announcing his switch to Ferrari and expects further discussions soon.

“We will certainly be able to talk a little more in the next few days,” Schumacher outlined to Sport.de. He also added: “It’s, of course, a position that brings with it a lot of pressure. But I feel like I’m up to it.

“My chance is here. [But] I don’t know how big it is yet. I think it will also depend a bit on performance. Hopefully, I can recommend myself. I think a few people out there know how good I am.”