Most people are writing Mick Schumacher off after Sauber overlooked the German for a Formula 1 seat in 2025.
He will have been off the grid for three full seasons by the time the 2026 season arrives, a lot of time to be away from single-seater racing during the prime years of his career.
This year alone, Mercedes, Alpine and Sauber have all had the chance to acquire his services, but have decided to go with other options.
His career ended on a sour note with Haas, so the only way for him to prove his doubters wrong is to rewrite his narrative – and it might require something quite drastic.
Mick Schumacher needs to move to IndyCar
Taking a look at the likes of Alex Palou, Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta – all a similar age to Schumacher, it’s clearly possible to forge a successful career in North America.
All have been linked with Formula 1 drives before and could be again in the future, owing to their performance in the IndyCar series.
It’s one of few series which is remotely comparable to Formula 1 in the entire world and has offered drivers a chance to prolong their careers after finishing with the pinnacle of motorsport.
Just ask Marcus Ericsson – an Indy 500 winner, or Romain Grosjean who has secured multiple podiums, how much they have enjoyed their time there.
Young Mick has a fantastic opportunity to cross the pond and remind everyone just why he is a Formula 2 and 3 champion – it’s best if he does this sooner rather than later.
Back to WEC or time to ignite another F1 charge for Schumacher?
Going back to WEC with Alpine would be a sign of him giving up on a return, with little to prove in endurance racing.
Unless of course, he prefers the racing there and sees himself competing in the series for a long time – but his time as a reserve driver for Mercedes indicates otherwise.
Alpine would probably love to have him back for 2025, especially as he has shown signs of improvement this season, culminating with a podium in Fuji.
But there’s a sense of unfinished business for his Formula 1 career, where a move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing or Juncos Hollinger could give him a chance to remind everyone of his talents.
IndyCar is a much safer series than it has ever been, so there shouldn’t be many fears there, and he would certainly be a popular figure in the paddock – so why not give it a go?