Mick Schumacher: Comeback on Formula 1 2026 in danger - what now?

Mick Schumacher: Comeback on Formula 1 2026 in danger - what now?

Miami, USA - The future of Mick Schumacher in Formula 1 remains uncertain. After three years without a cockpit and the continued search for a return to the racing events, the signs on 2026 are not necessarily favorable for the former Haas pilot. According to Derwesten.de there are plans by the new US team Cadillac, which will join Formula 1 from 2026, but the number of available cockpits is very limited. Rubens Barrichello, a former teammate of Michael's Schumacher, expressed a skepticism about Schumacher's return, especially in view of the limited starting places that are currently limited to 20 cars.

A glimmer of hope consists in the upcoming increase in 22 cars, which could offer more space for talented drivers. Cadillac, supported by General Motors, will enter Formula 1 as an eleven team and plans to sign two drivers with experience. Sergio Perez could be considered one of the favorites for a cockpit due to his North American popularity, while Mick Schumacher is also being discussed as a candidate. Schumacher recently had talks with Mario Andretti at the Miami GP to probe his options for the future.

Current market conditions

Most cockpits for the 2026 season have already been awarded, especially in the Red Bull Camp and possibly at Mercedes, where George Russell's contract soon expires. Max Verstappen remains a shadow player on the driver's market and could continue to influence the situation, such as Auto-motor-und-sport.de At Cadillac, those responsible, Graeme Lowdon and Marc Hynes, are actively looking for drivers and want to make a decision at an early stage. Names like Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Drugovich are also traded.

Schumacher, who recently got a podium at a WEC race in Imola and has gained experience as a test and reserve driver at Mercedes since 2023, remains determined to find his way back to Formula 1. General Motors pursues this cautiously because the focus is on performance and not on American identity.

The challenge of the competition

Additional pressure is created by the planned new technical regulations, which comes into force in 2026 and Schumacher could bring a disadvantage. Many of the existing cockpits are already occupied by drivers, including the last free cockpit at Sauber, which becomes a Audi factory team after 2026 and is not intended for Schumacher, such as Welt.de explained.

Although Corinna Schumacher, Mick Schumacher's mother, has already traveled several times to support her son, the challenge remains huge. The racing stall bosses have already decided not to offer the cockpit to him, and with every elongated week it looks as if the return to Formula 1 becomes more complex. The spectators will look forward to the World Cup year 2026, in which it will decide whether and where Mick Schumacher can return.