Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 boss, has offered a conflicting assessment of Mick Schumacher's prospects, questioning his driving abilities while simultaneously advocating for him to be given another chance in Formula 1.
Why it matters:
Ecclestone's opinions still carry weight, highlighting the debate over Mick Schumacher's F1 potential and future. His career stands at a critical juncture, seeking a path back to the grid.
The current situation:
Mick Schumacher hasn't raced in F1 since leaving Haas at the end of 2022. He served as a Mercedes reserve in 2023 and now races for Alpine in WEC. Recently, he missed out on a potential seat with the incoming Cadillac F1 team, which reportedly opted for experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez.
Ecclestone's view:
The 94-year-old expressed skepticism about Schumacher's past F1 performance. "He has a good name, but can he be helpful as a driver? He has never shown it, so why should he be able to do it now?"
- Despite doubts, Ecclestone urged, "One should still give him a chance."
- He noted the challenge of time: "So much time has gone by that people no longer remember what he can achieve. Why should he be able to help the team? I don't know what he could bring to the team."
What's next:
Ecclestone's mixed comments suggest he hasn't entirely dismissed Schumacher's F1 career. While immediate F1 opportunities are scarce, the veteran's belief in a potential comeback keeps hope alive for Mick.