F1 boss gives brutal Mick Schumacher verdict to disappoint Toto Wolff

Flavio Briatore has ruled out a move for Mick Schumacher ahead of the 2026 season in a ruling that will disappoint Toto Wolff. The Mercedes boss worked closely with the German during his time as their test and reserve driver, and has been a vocal advocate for a return to the Formula One grid.

Schumacher was axed by Haas at the end of the 2022 season following two years with the American squad. Despite dominating fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin in 2021 and showing moments of promise alongside Kevin Magnussen in his final campaign with the team, he was dropped to make room for Nico Hulkenberg's arrival. Since then, Schumacher has remained active within the paddock, taking on a test and reserve role with Mercedes and completing a handful of private tests while chasing opportunities with Alpine, Williams and Cadillac, among other teams.

However, after Cadillac opted to sign Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their first-ever F1 driver pairing, Schumacher's hopes of a return to the paddock have been pinned on the vacant seat with Alpine, who he has represented in the World Endurance Championship since 2024.

"He's not on our list," boss Briatore told Auto Motor und Sport when asked about Schumacher as an option for the 2026 season. Alpine currently have a seat open alongside Pierre Gasly, who recently penned a new deal running until the end of the 2028 campaign.

"I'm still open to the second cockpit," Briatore continued. "Maybe I should sign a Formula E driver? But seriously. We're still open. The two experienced drivers are going to Cadillac.

"Let's see how our young drivers perform over the rest of the season. We have [Franco] Colapinto, we have [Paul] Aron, and we'll also test again with [Jack] Doohan."

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Briatore's reluctance to consider Schumacher for the seat currently occupied by Colapinto will no doubt be disappointing to Wolff, who has backed the 26-year-old during his previous attempts to find a way back onto the grid.

"I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance, because we haven't seen the real Mick," he said amidst links to Williams in 2024. "You're not winning F4, F3 and F2 and then you're not performing in F1... I think he deserves a chance."

Alpine isn't the only door that has seemingly closed for the German racer. Schumacher was touted as a potential test and reserve driver for Cadillac, but that role will now be filled by IndyCar sensation Colton Herta, who is set to undergo a switch to Formula Two with the aim of making it to the F1 grid in 2027.