Schumacher's ambition of returning to Formula One racing meets an unfortunate end.
Mick Schumacher's dream of re-entering Formula 1 through the Williams team has been thwarted. Instead of Sargeant, the team opted for Argentine Franco Colapinto as their new driver, leaving Schumacher on the sidelines. Colapinto, aged 21, will make his debut for Williams at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza (Sunday, 3 pm/RTL, Sky, and in the ntv.de live ticker).
Williams' team principal, James Vowles, stated, "Changing a driver mid-season wasn't an easy decision, but we believe it gives Williams the best chance to fight for points for the remainder of the season. This is undeniably a tough blow for Sargeant." Williams had grown frustrated with Sargeant's performance, particularly following his serious crash in Zandvoort.
Schumacher previously raced for the Haas team in Formula 1 but has yet to secure a seat since then. Hence, his stint with Haas wasn't particularly successful. However, former four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel defended Schumacher in 'Bild' newspaper, claiming, "The car wasn't competitive. Many still harbor a wrong impression of him from that time."
Schumacher's last hope
At Mercedes, Schumacher serves as a reserve driver, but his odds of becoming a regular driver are slim. Schumacher previously faced a setback in Zandvoort when Alpine chose Australian Jack Doohan instead of him, as their second regular driver from 2025. Schumacher's sole realistic opportunity to secure a regular seat for the following season looks to be with Sauber, transforming into an Audi works team in 2026.
The 2023 Formula 1 season still has nine races remaining before its conclusion. In these remaining events, Schumacher could have showcased his skills to Audi. Alternatively, he will now participate in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Texas, as originally planned, driving for the Alpine team.
Colapinto marks the return of an Argentine driver to Formula 1 after 23 years and will race with the number 43. Sargeant, who contracts with Williams, which uses Mercedes engines, must step down at the end of this season to make room for Carlos Sainz from Ferrari. Sargeant managed to score a single point in nearly two years with the team from Britain.
Despite Mick Schumacher's aspiration to return to Formula 1 through the Williams team, he found himself sidelined after the team chose Franco Colapinto as their new driver. Schumacher's passion for motor sports continues, as he will participate in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Texas, driving for the Alpine team.
