Mick Schumacher has reiterated his desire to return to Formula 1, the sport remains deeply personal to him, hinting at a potential future with Cadillac as the American brand prepares for their first foray into the top flight in 2026.
“Formula 1 is a topic, for me, that is very close to my heart,” Schumacher told The New York Times. “I love Formula 1. I’ve loved Formula 1 since I was a little boy. It’s never left my sight.”
The 26-year-old, currently competing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine while continuing his reserve role for Mercedes, attended the Miami Grand Prix earlier this season. He held meetings with Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss over that weekend, fuelling speculation about a possible link-up.
“There’s an amazing project on the line at the moment, a very interesting topic,” Schumacher said in reference to Cadillac’s planned F1 venture. “It was important to be there, and being back in the Formula 1 paddock was amazing. It’s a beautiful place with great motor racing, and it is the pinnacle of motorsport for a good reason.”
Time away has built Schumacher’s toolbox
Though absent from the grid since the end of his two-season stint with Haas, Schumacher believes the past two and a half years have made him a more complete racing driver, thanks to time spent with Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and his active competition in endurance racing.
“Obviously, I have evolved a lot since my two years in Formula 1,” he said. “I was Mercedes’ reserve driver, and then, also working with McLaren and Williams at the same time, gaining a lot of knowledge on that front. Being part of different teams has been very, very interesting.”
He added: “Then with WEC, it’s been such a good championship, learning and seeing something new. I feel if you’re always in single-seaters, it’s a very niche part of the sport, and it’s very different compared to what I’m doing now.”
Schumacher believes the wider experience has equipped him with both technical depth and emotional resilience that would benefit any future employer.
From single-seaters to systems and psychology
The German explained: “I think if you have a broader spectrum of knowledge, you are more useful for different things. Let’s say, I can better understand the psychology of other drivers. Also, internally, how systems work, because the systems in F1 are very limited compared to WEC.
“We have different tools like traction control, and other points like energy management. There’s a lot more where the driver is involved in trying to develop those systems.
“There are a bunch of different points I feel have made me a better driver, for sure. Coupled with my time at Mercedes, it has been very helpful to build my toolbox,” Schumacher revealed.
When asked what he could offer Cadillac, should a formal opportunity arise, Schumacher said: “My career path is very public, and what I’m doing is very public, so obviously, in that sense, people know what they’ll get if they see me.”
The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has also taken stock of his mental journey since his abrupt F1 exit. Reflecting on his Haas experience and how he responded to setbacks, he said resilience has always been central to his mindset.
Resilience through disappointment
“I’ve been doing that all my life, to be honest,” Mick said. “Disappointments are a part of growth, and they are part of growing up, essentially. I think that all of those moments that are difficult in life will make you more resilient and a stronger person, mentally and physically.
“I think everything happens for a reason in life, and so you’ve just got to either let it take you down or use it as an opportunity in life to move forward,” added Schumacher junior.
Cadillac is set to join Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th team, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports. The team will initially use Ferrari powertrains until GM’s own engines are ready in 2029.
Based in Silverstone with a U.S. facility in Fishers, Indiana, Cadillac has secured Tommy Hilfiger as its first major partner, emphasising an all-American identity.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon is eyeing experienced drivers like Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, as well as Schumacher for the 2026 lineup. Despite progress, the American team still lacks a confirmed driver roster and a completed car.