Sebastian Vettel backed Mick Schumacher to make his Formula One return with Williams, amid reports Logan Sargeant could be replaced for the Italian Grand Prix.
Mick, son of legendary seven-time world champion Michael, followed in his father’s footsteps by competing in F1 when he drove for Haas in 2021 and 2022, finishing 19th and 16th respectively in the drivers’ standings.
However, he was dropped for the 2023 season in favour of veteran Nico Hulkenberg and is the current reserve driver for Mercedes.
Schumacher is considered a leading contender to replace Sargeant should Williams make a change for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend.
Williams are reportedly considering replacing Sargeant after the American lost control of his car in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, with the resulting crash seeing the rear of the vehicle burst into flames.
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Mick Schumacher has been backed to make his return to Formula One this weekend
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Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel believes Williams should turn to Schumacher
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Williams are reportedly considering replacing Logan Sargeant at the Italian Grand Prix
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Sargeant’s car burst into flames at the Dutch Grand Prix after his mistake led to a crash
Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto is thought to be under consideration as well as Schumacher.
Four-time world champion Vettel, a close friend of Schumacher, has backed his fellow German to secure an F1 return.
Vettel claims Schumacher’s experience should give him the edge if Williams make a change to their driver line-up.
‘If it were my decision, I would tend towards Mick,’ Vettel told Bild. ‘Of course, I am a little biased because he is my friend, but in my eyes he is the best solution.
‘Mick has two years of experience in Formula 1 as a driver, has a very broad technical insight through his current role, knows the Mercedes engine and has matured a lot as a person since leaving Haas.
‘I am sure that he could convince Williams. Especially since, unlike other candidates, he knows the Formula 1 field and the tracks. That is a big advantage.
‘I hope he gets the chance and can show the world what he’s capable of. Mick has been unfairly branded because of his two years at Haas.
‘Of course he made mistakes, but the car wasn’t competitive. Many people have the wrong image of him.’
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Schumacher (right) drove for Haas for two seasons but was dropped for the 2023 season
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Vettel believes Schumacher (right) has been unfairly branded because of his time at Haas
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also offered his backing for Schumacher to return
Schumacher has been the reserve driver for Mercedes this season, with team principal Toto Wolff also offering his backing to the German driver.
‘I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance, because we haven’t seen the real Mick,’ Wolff said. ‘You’re not winning F4, F3 and F2 and then you’re not performing in F1… I think he deserves a chance.
‘If the opportunity would be at Williams it’s something that we would be cheering for. But it’s [Team Principal] James Vowles’s decision.’
Should Schumacher replace Sargeant, it would only be a short-term drive for the 25-year-old.
Williams confirmed last month that Sargeant will be replaced next season by Carlos Sainz, with the Spaniard forming a partnership with Thai-British driver Alex Albon.
