Schumacher took the wheel of the 2021 McLaren MCL35M on Wednesday, under F1’s so-called TPC rules, which allow for testing with two-year-old cars.
The test is part of Mercedes’ agreement to share its reserve drivers with McLaren, who take their customer engines from the German manufacturer.
In previous years, McLaren had agreed a deal with Mercedes to bring in Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries should the need arise to replace one of its principals.
For the 2023 season, the deal has been extended and new reserve driver Mick Schumacher will be available in case Lando Norris or rookie Oscar Piastri cannot race.
By completing the Portimao test, Schumacher was able to familiarize himself with how McLaren works, having never worked with the Woking-based team.
With the McLaren racing team in the midst of a double-header at the Austrian and British Grands Prix, the team dispatched a test crew which included some of its young engineers.
“Joining Mick are some of our apprentice and trainee mechanics and engineers, who are gaining valuable experience working in a track environment,” the team explained on Twitter.
Mick Schumacher, McLaren
Photo by: McLaren
This is the second F1 test of the year for the 24-year-old German, after having participated in a test day reserved for Pirelli tires in Barcelona on behalf of Mercedes, where the teams tested the Italian supplier’s tire prototypes to be used without tire warmers .
Speaking about the Barcelona test, Schumacher said: “This experience will certainly be useful for me in my role.”
“I understood better what to pay attention to and what to work on. I also have a better understanding of all the procedures and how the team works trackside. This would be a key factor if I were to enter the race.”
Schumacher has moved to the role of test and reserve driver after he was not confirmed by Haas, which has given the son of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher his F1 debut in 2021.
After two difficult seasons, with the team not in its prime, Schumacher was replaced by more experienced compatriot Nico Hulkenberg for 2023.
Schumacher will make another F1 cameo later this month, when he will drive his father’s 2011 Mercedes W02 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Mick Schumacher, McLaren
Photo by: McLaren
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