Schumacher completed his first test for the McLaren F1 team in Portimão on 5th July 2023. Read on and all will be explained if that sounds surprising to you, .
On Wednesday Mick Schumacher drove the 2021 model of the McLaren MCL35M car. McLaren conducted the test under section 10.2 (Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)) of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations. This clause allows teams to run tests with machinery that is two years or older.
Mick is presently contracted to Mercedes as a test and reserve driver. The team has an agreement with McLaren that the team can share reserve drivers. This is a convenient arrangement as McLaren is an engine customer of Mercedes.
The agreement applied to previous Mercedes reerve drivers such as Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries.
Although Wednesdays drive was for testing purposes the arrangement also applies if Lando Norris or if Oscar Piastri is unable to race for whatever reason.
The good news is that it allowed Mick to learn how McLaren works. This will be very useful if he has to take over for a race weekend.
The Team Took The Test Seriously
The team committed a full test team. This was despite the fact that at the time they were in the middle of the Austrian GP and the Silverstone GP Double Header.
“Joining Mick are some of our mechanic and engineering apprentices and interns, gaining valuable experience working in a trackside environment.”
McLaren tweet
It was the young German driver’s second test of the year – the first having been with Pirelli.
“This experience will definitely benefit me in my role”.
Mick Schumacher
“I have a better understanding of what to look out for and what to work on. I also have a better understanding of all the procedures and how the team works trackside. That would be a key factor in case I ever have to jump in and race.”
Mick lost his full-time seat at Haas after the 2022 season and moved to Mercedes as a reserve and testing driver. He has been receiving many accolades at Mercedes for the value he is bringing to the team.
Schumacher will be driving his dad’s 2011 Mercedes W02 car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed between Thursday, 13 Jul 2023 – Sunday, 16 Jul 2023.
Follow the link to get your tickets for this amazing spectacle – link.
Michael Schumacher (Mick’s dad) drove for Mercedes in the new era, and helped set the car up and bring Mercedes up to a position where Lewis Hamilton could be so dominant. It’s great to see how committed Mercedes is to Mick and that the team values long term relationships so much.
