Mick Schumacher blames one driver for not knowing if he’ll return to Formula 1 in 2025

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Former Haas driver Mick Schumacher is one of several drivers patiently waiting to see if a space on the Formula 1 grid will open up for him in 2025.

After completing two seasons with one of F1’s backmarkers in 2021 and 2022, Mick Schumacher was dropped by Haas for fellow German driver Nico Hulkenberg.

Schumacher spent a year on the sidelines as reserve and test driver for Mercedes last season but has returned to competitive action in 2024.

The 25-year-old driver has been racing for Alpine’s World Endurance Championship team this year although he’s had very mixed luck during his first five races.

Schumacher and his team didn’t finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and have only scored a single point in WEC thus far.

However, speaking to the Spanish outlet Sport, Schumacher still has high hopes of a return to the Formula 1 grid.

He explained he hasn’t got any interest in racing in another series in 2025 until he knows for certain that his chances of making an F1 comeback are over.

Schumacher has now suggested that like many drivers already on the grid, Carlos Sainz is the reason he’s still unsure what the future holds.

Sainz will be leaving Ferrari at the end of the year but has yet to choose his next destination.

The three-time race winner has plenty of options on the table, but the knock-on effect on the rest of the driver’s market differs greatly depending on which team he decides to join.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height

Mick Schumacher blames Carlos Sainz for Formula 1 future uncertainty

Talking about his efforts to return to F1, Schumacher said: “It’s incredible. I’ve loved Formula 1 forever and every time I drive one, I feel happy like a little boy.

“In the case of the McLaren test, I was with the current car, with the current tyres, although unfortunately for the most part only in the wet.

“But it was incredible to feel the difference and the evolution of the cars. When I drove in 2022, it was the completely new model of Formula 1, so the single-seaters were not as refined as they are now.

“And McLaren is probably considered one of the best cars. So it was unique, very special. I hope that my path will return to Formula 1 next year.”

Schumacher was then asked how much Carlos Sainz’s delaying of a decision over his future is impacting his chances of returning to Formula 1 and said: “His choice will affect everything because depending on where you go, several seats will be opened or closed.

“My goal has always been Formula 1 and will always continue to be Formula 1.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know on F1 reserve and WEC driver Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher might only have one option on the table to make his F1 comeback

Carlos Sainz looks to have narrowed down his choice for next season to two teams: Alpine or Mercedes.

Alpine have recently offered Sainz an improved contract which coincided with Flavio Briatore returning to the team.

However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that Sainz is definitely still an option for 2025 given their hesitancy about rushing youngster Kimi Antonelli into the seat.

Despite being attached to Mercedes, Schumacher has been told by Wolff he won’t be considered to replace Lewis Hamilton for next year.

Instead, Schumacher is hoping that his growing connection with Alpine through their WEC program could see him line up alongside Pierre Gasly next year.

Briatore returning to the Renault group could give Schumacher an advantage in negotiations with Alpine given he previously worked very closely with his father during his incredible Formula 1 career.

It all comes down to what Sainz wants for next season and Schumacher will hope he can fit into those plans in some way.