Former Formula One driver Timo Glock says Mick Schumacher “deserves” a second opportunity in the championship, with Esteban Ocon’s Alpine seat now vacant.
Timo Glock, a former F1 driver turned pundit, is campaigning for Mick Schumacher, suggesting that he can use his opportunity with Alpine in the WEC to “keep his foot in the door” of Formula One.
The former Jordan, Toyota, Virgin, and Marussia driver believes Schumacher “deserves” a chance, but that he must continue his form in the WEC to keep his F1 dream alive.
Michael Schumacher’s son made his series debut for Haas in 2021, having previously won FIA F3 and F2. He was, however, discarded by the American squad at the end of 2022 in favor of Nico Hulkenberg after two dismal seasons.
Schumacher joined Mercedes in a developing and reserve role and is now part of Alpine’s endurance racing setup, which Glock, who raced in F1 between 2004 and 2008-2012, believes is critical to his future.
Speaking before Esteban Ocon’s departure from Alpine was known, the 42-year-old highlighted the dissatisfaction of the team’s current drivers, despite Enstone finishing second-to-last in the constructors’ standings this season.
“I think there is tension between the two,” Glock told Sky F1 Germany. “Neither are satisfied with their current circumstances at Alpine.
“That is why Mick has an excellent opportunity. He simply needs to keep impressing in the WEC in order to keep his foot in the door and show himself. That’s the only way he’ll be able to get into the cockpit next year. “I hope so for him; he deserves it.”
‘My goal and my dream is to drive in Formula 1’
Despite failing to collect points in his rookie F1 season in an uncompetitive Haas, Schumacher easily beat teammate Nikita Mazepin.
However, as the American team improved in 2022, Schumacher struggled to compete with Kevin Magnussen for points, finishing the year with less than half of the Dane’s total – 25 to 12.
In addition to being unable to match Magnussen’s pace, the 25-year-old suffered a series of costly accidents, which strained his relationship with the team and resulted in his departure at the end of the season, with Haas choosing for experience in 2023.
Despite former team principal Guenther Steiner’s advice not to sign him, the German driver remains confident of resuming his F1 career.
“My ambition and dream are to drive in Formula One,” Schumacher told Sky F1 Germany. “That is how it has always been and will continue to be.
“That is why we must ensure that the dominoes fall in my favor, and I expect to end up with a seat.”
“All I can do is give my all in the WEC and Formula One, continue to perform well for the team as a reserve driver, and continue to lead the talks.”
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