Mercedes have shown their confidence that Lewis Hamilton will NOT spring retirement on them after naming Mick Schumacher as their reserve driver for 2023… despite Toto Wolff’s initial plan to enlist Daniel Ricciardo to fill the role
- Mercedes have named Mick Schumacher as their reserve driver for 2023
- Lewis Hamilton is 38 in January but shows no indication of slowing down
- Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had originally planned to enlist Daniel Ricciardo
- ‘Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him,’ said Wolff.
Mercedes have named Mick Schumacher as their reserve driver for 2023, reflecting their confidence Lewis Hamilton will not spring retirement on them.
Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff had originally planned to enlist the experienced Daniel Ricciardo to fill the reserve role when he came on the market after his sacking by McLaren.
An eight-time race winner, he was intended to act as ‘cover’ in case Hamilton quit.
Mercedes have issued a boost of confidence surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s (L) F1 future
The F1 team named Mick Schumacher as their reserve driver for 2023 on Thursday afternoon
At that stage, Hamilton was still coming to terms with the brutal manner in which he lost last year’s title, as well as working with a sub-standard Mercedes. But he has since spoken enthusiastically of committing beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of 2023.
So confident is Wolff of keeping Hamilton, who turns 38 in January, that he was content to see Ricciardo go to Red Bull and bring in a more conventional reserve, such as Schumacher.
‘Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him,’ said Wolff. ‘He is a hard worker, and is still hungry to improve.’
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had initially planned to get Daniel Ricciardo to take the role
