Ralf Schumacher makes ‘crazy’ point as Sauber reject Mick Schumacher for Gabriel Bortoleto

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Mick Schumacher’s chances of ever returning to the Formula 1 grid may be all but gone after Sauber announced their 2025 driver pairing.

The German will not be reuniting with former boss Mattia Binotto ahead of a takeover by German giant Audi in 2026.

Instead, the Swiss outfit opted to sign promising young driver Gabriel Bortoleto to line up alongside the experienced Nico Hulkenberg.

The Brazilian won the Formula 3 title last year and looks set to claim the Formula 2 crown this year after some terrific performances.

Ralf Schumacher with ‘crazy’ Formula 1 verdict

Schumacher lost much of his career momentum after being dropped from the Haas team at the end of 2022.

Since then, he has been a Mercedes reserve driver and even raced full-time in the World Endurance Championship for Alpine.

Speaking to Sky Germany, his uncle Ralf, who knows how brutal the paddock can be, was less optimistic about Mick’s outlook for the future.

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“Formula 1 is a crazy business. The topic of Formula 1 is now rather unrealistic, unless – and of course, you wouldn’t wish this on anyone – someone falls ill.

“We’ve seen it with Colapinto, who is now on everyone’s lips. If you get a chance, anything can happen. But I think after such a long time out, it will be rather difficult.

“Mick has been through a lot in the last year and a half, for example at Alpine, when he found out from a post that he wasn’t in the car.”

What can Schumacher do next?

Remaining in his role as a Mercedes reserve may be his best shot to get another opportunity in Formula 1 soon.

It’s pretty clear by now that he isn’t preferred by any of the teams, including his own Alpine team who chose to go with Jack Doohan over him in the summer.

A return to WEC is a wise move to keep himself fresh for racing, and maybe an IndyCar opportunity could help kick his single-seater career into life again.

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But resting on his laurels won’t do much for his career – he needs to start winning somewhere to turn heads again.

He’s capable of standing on the top step of the podium, just look at the Formula 2 and 3 championships he has achieved – there must be a way back onto the grid somehow.