Mick Schumacher faster than 232-point F1 star during Pirelli test while driving for unexpected team

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Mick Schumacher is one of the many drivers not currently on the Formula 1 grid looking for a way back into the sport.

After two seasons with Haas, Mick Schumacher was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas and judging by the German’s current form, that appears to have been the correct decision.

However, Schumacher hasn’t hidden his desire to return to Formula 1 since being dropped at the end of the 2022 season.

He’s currently a member of the Mercedes driver program although he’s been loaned to Alpine this year to take part in the World Endurance Championships.

There are limited opportunities during the season to test the current generation of F1 cars and according to a report from Formu1a Uno, Schumacher was handed one of those chances on Tuesday.

Alongside Haas reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi and current Williams star Alex Albon – who added two more points to his career tally of 232 in F1 with his 9^th-place finish at Silverstone on Sunday – Schumacher took to part in a wet day of running.

The German driver finished at the top of the timing sheets but what was more surprising was the car that he achieved that feat.

Schumacher was driving a McLaren at Silverstone, thanks to his position with the Mercedes-powered teams.

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

Mick Schumacher quicker than Alex Albon during Pirelli tyre test in a McLaren

The 25-year-old driver was taking part in the first day of testing with Lando Norris set to take over the McLaren on Wednesday for the second day of running.

Schumacher, Albon and Fittipaldi were supposed to be working on Pirelli’s harder tyre compounds, but unsurprisingly the British weather changed those plans.

Instead, the trio were experimenting with the difference it makes when using tyre warmers before a run and between them, they completed just over 200 laps.

Schumacher completed the fewest laps out of all three drivers but still managed to set the fastest time.

His 1:37.428 was almost a tenth quicker than George Russell’s best time during British Grand Prix practice in similar conditions.

Mick Schumacher eyeing a seat on the 2025 Formula 1 grid

Without knowing the full details of the amount of fuel in Schumacher’s McLaren and other factors, it’s hard to know how representative his times were compared to Albon and Fittipaldi.

However, he will be hoping that a few team principals who are still yet to decide their driver line-ups for next year would have taken notice of his performance.

Williams team principal James Vowles has ruled out a move for Schumacher, although it’s still yet to be seen who will be joining Albon next year.

Logan Sargeant looks set to lose his seat and Albon may be able to give Vowles more information on how Schumacher ran against him during the test.

Schumacher is part of the Alpine set-up this year and might be hoping he can put himself in a position to replace the outgoing Esteban Ocon.

The arrival of Flavio Briatore to the team might help Schumacher given he previously worked with his father at Benetton.

Helmut Marko has ruled out a move for Schumacher given the current talent within their driver pool.

Despite being a Mercedes junior driver, Toto Wolff has told Schumacher he won’t be racing for the team in 2025.