Cadillac reserve role may be Mick Schumacher’s F1 lifeline

Mick Schumacher’s chances of returning to the Formula 1 grid now appear to rest on a possible test and reserve position with Cadillac rather than a 2026 race seat.

The 26-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has reiterated: “Formula 1 is my absolute priority, this dream lives on, and if there’s an opportunity, I will definitely take it.” B

ut with Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Felipe Drugovich all more strongly linked to the American team’s debut line-up, Auto Motor und Sport believes Schumacher’s most realistic route back into F1 is via a supporting role.

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon says the German is “on the list” and has impressed, but also emphasised that the project “will not be used to help drivers who still have something to prove.”

Currently a frontrunner for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, Schumacher is also tipped to replace Jenson Button in Cadillac’s Jota-run Hypercar entry next year, a move AMuS says could strengthen his profile inside General Motors and keep him close to the F1 fold.

Losing him would be a setback for Alpine, where he and Charles Milesi have been consistent lead performers.

Separately, AMuS claims Cadillac has also emerged as “a potential target” for former Red Bull boss Christian Horner. However, such a move could be controversial, with rumours suggesting the female staff member at the centre of Horner’s high-profile personal scandal now works at Cadillac.