Mick Schumacher "deserves" another opportunity in Formula 1, according to Jean Todt, the former Ferrari chief and ex-president of the FIA, who remains a close personal ally of the Schumacher family.
After an extended period of facing criticism, Mick, aged 25, was not retained by Haas after the 2022 season. He currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes and is involved with Alpine's world endurance championship team.
"A (F1) comeback will not be easy," Todt shared with Sport Bild, "also because he was treated unfairly at Haas. Of course there were a number of incidents that he caused himself, but that pressure on his shoulders was unfair," the 78-year-old Frenchman asserted.
Todt acknowledged that carrying the Schumacher name has its drawbacks, especially since his father, Michael, could not be present during the early stages of his F1 career.
"It's no secret that I love the Schumacher family, including Mick," Todt remarked. "Many people think his surname is an advantage, but it became a major disadvantage.
"There were sky-high expectations and the car was not competitive. He could never really show what he had in him."
Regarding Michael Schumacher's absence, Todt commented, "We don't know how the development would have gone in that case. But Mick only needs himself to become a Formula 1 driver again. He is good. The team bosses must see that and dare to put him in the car.
"I want to see him achieve his dreams and I am convinced that he deserves a seat in Formula 1. Mick is better than half of the Formula 1 drivers. Whether he is one of the three or four best drivers, I don't know."
During the intense speculation of the 2024 season, Schumacher has been mainly linked with the underperforming Alpine F1 team for next year, though many believe he remains a long shot for a race seat.
"Maybe Mick is too nice," Todt speculated. "He is a very friendly young man with good manners. In Formula 1, however, you have to use your elbows."
