Mick Schumacher admits watching the Bahrain Grand Prix from the sidelines wasn’t easy – but asserts he’s more determined than ever to return to a full-time Formula 1 seat.
The German was dropped by Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign, with the squad opting to sign the experienced Nico Hulkenberg in his place.
Schumacher has found refuge at Mercedes and is currently acting as its reserve driver for the 2023 season.
However, the 23-year-old has highlighted on several occasions that he is hopeful of getting back to the grid in the near future.
Speaking to the F1 Nation podcast, Schumacher outlined that he is enjoying his new job at the Mercedes outfit.
“I mean, in some ways, it definitely feels great for me because I’ve come from a car, obviously, which has been quite difficult to drive and jump into a simulator which is pretty accurate and pretty close to, I would say, reality,” Schumacher said.
“It’s really been good to have that feeling to be also able to try out a few different things in the simulator. From what the drivers say, it’s really not too far away.”
Schumacher says that watching from the sidelines at the Bahrain International Circuit was difficult, with Mercedes racing to fifth and seventh with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell respectively.
The 2020 Formula 2 champion says that the uncomfortable experience shows that he is not okay with being out of the car – motivating him to find a route back to the grid.
“I’ve been sat on this stool there with my hands and my arms and just felt like the day was never going to end because I just wanted to jump into the car,” he said.
“But it’s also another factor which proves to me and to myself that I really, really want this – and it shows that I’m not okay with not being in the car.
“I don’t know what the future brings. I mean, it’s difficult to say. I feel very much at home at Mercedes, and therefore definitely have to see what options I have for the upcoming season.
“But also, I guess, a lot of that will be kind of shown as the year goes by.”
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