In accordance with F1’s TPC rules, Schumacher participated in his maiden test for McLaren on Wednesday, taking control of the team’s 2021 MCL35M car. These regulations permit the use of machinery that is two years old for testing purposes.
This test session was made possible through Mercedes’ collaboration with McLaren, which involves sharing test and reserve drivers. McLaren, as a customer of Mercedes engines, benefits from this arrangement.
In previous years, McLaren had an agreement with Mercedes to call upon Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries as replacements for race drivers if necessary.
For the 2023 season, this partnership was extended, and Schumacher, the incoming reserve driver, was made available in case Lando Norris or rookie Oscar Piastri were unable to compete.
By participating in the Portimao test, Schumacher familiarized himself with McLaren’s operations, as he had not previously worked with the Woking-based team.
Given that McLaren’s race team is currently in the midst of a double-header in the Austrian and British Grands Prix, the team assembled a test team comprising some of its talented young engineers.
“Our mechanic and engineering apprentices and interns are joining Mick, gaining valuable experience in a trackside environment,” the team explained on Twitter.
Schumacher, McLaren’s new reserve driver.
Photo by: McLaren
This is the second F1 test of the year for the 24-year-old German driver. Previously, he participated in Pirelli tyre testing in Barcelona for Mercedes, where teams evaluated prototype tyres without tire blankets from the Italian supplier.
Reflecting on the Barcelona test, Schumacher stated, “This experience will undoubtedly benefit me in my role. I now have a better understanding of what to focus on and improve. Additionally, I have gained insight into all the procedures and the team’s trackside operations. This knowledge would be crucial if I ever have to step in and race.”
After being released by Haas, Schumacher transitioned to a test and reserve driver role. Haas had given him his F1 debut in 2021, but following two challenging seasons with the struggling team, he was replaced by fellow experienced German driver Nico Hulkenberg for 2023.
Later this month, Schumacher will make another appearance in an F1 car when he drives his father’s 2011 Mercedes W02 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mick Schumacher, McLaren F1 test, Portimao, reserve driver
Q: What was Mick Schumacher’s role in the McLaren F1 test at Portimao?
A: Mick Schumacher participated in the test as McLaren’s incoming reserve driver, gaining valuable experience and familiarizing himself with the team’s operations.
Q: How was the McLaren F1 test made possible?
A: The test was made possible through a collaboration between McLaren and Mercedes, where they share test and reserve drivers. McLaren, as a customer of Mercedes engines, benefits from this arrangement.
Q: Did Mick Schumacher have any previous F1 testing experience?
A: Yes, prior to the McLaren test, Schumacher took part in Pirelli tyre testing in Barcelona for Mercedes. This experience provided him with valuable insights and knowledge for his role as a reserve driver.
Q: Why did Mick Schumacher transition to a test and reserve driver role?
A: After not being retained by Haas, the team that gave him his F1 debut in 2021, Schumacher moved to a test and reserve driver role. He had two challenging seasons with Haas and was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for 2023.
Q: Will Mick Schumacher have any other F1 appearances soon?
A: Yes, Schumacher will have another F1 cameo when he drives his father’s 2011 Mercedes W02 car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month.
More about Mick Schumacher, McLaren F1 test, Portimao, reserve driver
- Schumacher completes maiden McLaren F1 test in Portimao
- Mercedes extends deal to share test drivers with McLaren
- Mick Schumacher tests Pirelli tyres for Mercedes in Barcelona
- Haas replaces Mick Schumacher with Nico Hulkenberg for 2023
- Mick Schumacher to drive his father’s 2011 Mercedes W02 at Goodwood Festival of Speed
5 comments
wow mick schumacher got his first test with mclaren that’s so cool i hope he does well as their reserve driver
mick driving his dad’s old mercedes at goodwood sounds epic, can’t wait to see him in action!
mick had a tough time at haas but being a test and reserve driver is a good opportunity for him to learn and grow, maybe he’ll get another shot at racing in the future
mick schumacher got to test the old mclaren car and now he knows how they do things i bet that helps if he has to race for them
i didn’t know mclaren and mercedes had this kind of collab sharing drivers is pretty neat, gives mick a chance to show what he’s got