Former Mercedes director snubs Toto Wolff’s request to sign Mick Schumacher for the 2024 F1 season: Reports

Williams team principal James Vowles has reportedly declined to sign Mick Schumacher for the 2024 season despite the recommendation of his former boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff.

Schumacher has been without a seat since being let go by the Haas F1 team at the end of the 2022 season. He joined the Mercedes AMG F1 team as their reserve driver for the 2023 season.

Mick Schumacher impressed Wolff with his simulator work but has struggled to land a seat going into the 2024 season. Wolff reportedly tried to persuade Vowles by vouching for the young German, and showed his simulator data to the Williams team boss.

However, as per F1 Insider, Vowles was left unconvinced and opted not to sign him to replace Logan Sargeant for the 2024 season.

It is being reported that 2022 F2 champion and Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich is in pole position to become Williams' second driver for the next season.

Former F1 driver claims Mick Schumacher's absence from the sport is a 'shame'

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently claimed that his nephew Mick Schumacher not being on the grid was a 'shame'. He also believes that Williams driver Logan Sargeant has been 'overwhelmed' in the 2023 season.

While appearing on Formel1.de's YouTube channel, Ralf Schumacher said:

"I think Logan Sargeant is overwhelmed. Those are also the reasons why he's having these accidents. He's trying to force it now, he's getting desperate... But he's still developing, and the problems remain the same. So, I believe his days are somewhat numbered."

While speaking about his nephew Mick Schumacher's current status, he added:

"You can see it now with what he's doing in the simulator. Zak Brown came to me after he tested [at McLaren], and I don't have much contact with Zak but before his interview, he came to me and said, 'Man, I have to say, Mick did a great job in the test. I just wanted to tell you.'"

"That was a nice piece of information. So, I would find it a shame if he doesn't get the chance."

Many fans are keen to see whether Mick Schumacher manages to get another chance in F1 in the future. However, it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will get a shot at driving in the 2024 season.