Before his season on the sidelines even begins, Mick Schumacher says there are already interested parties regarding a future return to the grid.

After a shaky start to his second season in Formula 1 with Haas, Schumacher struggling up against his new and experienced team-mate Kevin Magnussen, the German racer would grow stronger as the campaign progressed.

And while his P6 and P8 finishes at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring respectively were his only points finishes of the 2022 season, Schumacher managed to prove himself to a level that created a good deal of support for him keeping his place in the series.

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner did not agree though, believing an experienced driver pairing was needed to bring quicker progress to Haas, leading to the confirmation that Nico Hulkenberg would return to Formula 1 full-time, while Schumacher was left without a drive.

Mercedes later moved to make him their new reserve driver, with McLaren also having access to Schumacher’s services, though he does have his eyes set on returning to the grid in 2024.

And according to Schumacher, already over the off-season there has been conversations with parties sharing that interest in seeing him get another shot in Formula 1.

“My goal is to stay in Formula 1,” he said, as per Auto Bild. “There’s no guarantee, of course, but I’m in a comfortable position where I think I can get a lot out of the year.

“I’m sure there will be opportunities then. Over the winter, some people have already expressed interest. Sure, there’s something going on. When talks start will be seen over the next few weeks and months.”

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Could Audi be the lifeline for Mick Schumacher?

Of all the outfits linked with an interest in Schumacher’s services, one that has persisted, and which has seen little attempt to be hidden, is Audi.

From 2026, Sauber will morph into the Audi works teams, using the German outfit’s newly-developed power unit, though Audi has already purchased a stake in Sauber Motorsport ahead of their arrival on the grid.

2023 will mark the final season of the Alfa Romeo-Sauber partnership, and so, with Sauber now free of the need to worry about finances, could this open the door for Schumacher to settle into a race seat for F1 2024, a German driver in place at what will become the team of an iconic German brand?

Of all the potential opportunities that could pop up for Schumacher, this one feels like the most realistic to become reality.

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