Ralf Schumacher tips nephew Mick to replace Hamilton at Mercedes

Ex-Formula 1 race winner Ralf Schumacher believes his nephew Mick “deserves the chance” to fill the Mercedes seat that will be vacated by Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

Schumacher made his F1 debut in 2021 with Haas but was dropped at the end of his sophomore season as the American squad plumped for Nico Hulkenberg’s experience.

The German was picked up by Mercedes to become the team’s reserve driver, a role which he will fulfil again in 2024 having been unable to secure a full-time return to the grid.

However, Mercedes will have an opening in its driver line-up for next season alongside George Russell after it was announced that Hamilton will be departing to join Ferrari.

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Schumacher has admitted that F1 remains his “dream”, while Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff commended his “tremendous contribution” during the course of last year.

With Wolff assessing that Russell is ready to step up into a team leader role, Ralf Schumacher is convinced that Mick would be a viable candidate to partner the Briton.

“There won’t be quite so many candidates [for the seat],” Schumacher wrote in his column for Sky Germany.

“It’s a question of what Toto Wolff wants to do. Russell, if he doesn’t make any mistakes, is certainly capable of following in Lewis’ footsteps and leading the team. The question now is whether to go for experience or bring in new, young people.

“Mick would certainly be one of the best options in the young field, but of course, there is also Carlos Sainz on the market, even if I think he is more likely to end up at Audi.

“I think Mick’s chances are good and I think he deserves the chance. Alongside Russell, he would be a man to build up for the future. I’m pretty confident about that, now Toto Wolff just has to be of the same opinion.

“But so far I’ve only heard positive things about Mick from him.”

With Hamilton having endured successive winless seasons with Mercedes, Schumacher admits that he can fathom why Hamilton has now opted to move to Ferrari.

The 48-year-old, who won six grands prix in F1, has also pointed out how Hamilton’s long-standing relationship with Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur would have been a factor.

“It was surprising at first, but then understandable,” Schumacher added regarding Hamilton’s blockbuster transfer.

“Lewis really wants to win and I think he has lost a bit of confidence in the team and the structure at Mercedes over the last two years. Those two years were difficult.

“You also shouldn’t underestimate the fact that Frederic Vasseur’s bond is a very long and well-known one and I’m sure he promised him everything.”