Toto Wolff admits that there are few opportunities for Mick Schumacher to return to the Formula 1 grid in 2024.
Schumacher is currently working as Mercedes’ reserve driver after being dropped by Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign.
The German was replaced by compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who returned to the sport after two years on the sidelines.
Schumacher, who is assisting Mercedes with its push back towards the front of the grid, has asserted on multiple occasions that he is targeting a full-time return to the grid next year.
However, Wolff says that as it stands, it is unlikely that the 2020 Formula 2 champion will be racing in F1 in 2024.
“It’s a difficult situation because [Mercedes] is closed, and I would wish for Mick to get a seat, and he deserves it,” Wolff told Sky Deutschland.
“The situation in 2024 is unfavourable, in 2025 a few doors will open again, but we have to wait and see how things develop at Williams, so it’s not easy.
“We have to be careful, because if we support Mick too much, then of course there are critics who would like to make things difficult who then come crawling out of the woodwork.”
Red Bull, Ferrari, Alpine, McLaren and Aston Martin have all locked in their line-ups for next year, while Lewis Hamilton is expected to continue at Mercedes.
Sauber is yet to confirm its drivers, while Haas is unlikely to accept Schumacher back after parting ways with him last year.
There are also openings at AlphaTauri, however there is currently a large pool of Red Bull junior drivers waiting for an opportunity in the team.
Williams has also only committed to Logan Sargeant for one year, but it is likely that he will be further nurtured beyond the 2023 season.
