Possibly an open secret was confirmed as Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team confirmed that Mick Schumacher will their Reserve Driver for 2023.

The former Haas driver joins the former Formula One World Constructor Champions with the the 2023 season months away.

Mick Schumacher, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Reserve Driver said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment.

“I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me. F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.”

The son of Michael Schumacher, Mick will play an important role in the ongoing development of the W14, the Silver Arrows 2023 Formula One car.

He will conduct regular work in the simulator at the teams UK site at Brackley throughout the year, as they fight back from a challenging 2022 season.

This work will be harnessed trackside as Mick will also attend all Grands Prix in his new role, alongside carrying out marketing duties across the year.

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said: “Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the Team.

“He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver.

“These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14.

“We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula One under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis (Hamilton) or George (Russell), should that need arise.”

In his two years with Haas, Mick started 43 races and claimed his maiden points finish at the 2022 British Grand Prix with a strong drive to eighth place and backed this up the following week to score a career-best result of sixth at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.

While he might have lost his seat at the American team having spent much of his time in the back of the midfield runners, he enjoyed an impressive record in the junior categories.

He was 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Champion, secured with a run of nine podium finishes, including five wins, from the final 11 races.

After graduating to the FIA Formula 2 Championship, Mick sealed the 2020 title in his sophomore year with two victories and eight podiums.

The 23-year-old has impressed with his maturity, technical feedback and work ethic throughout his career; all qualities highly prized in a driver.

He now joins the team where his father Michael raced between 2010 and 2012.