Schiller, Grenier Promoted to Mercedes-AMG Factory Drivers

Fabian Schiller and Mikael Grenier have been promoted to Mercedes-AMG’s roster of ‘Performance’ factory drivers.

The two graduates from Mercedes-AMG’s Junior driver initiative form part of an 11-man lineup at the highest rung of the German manufacturer’s three-level system.

Mercedes-AMG on Tuesday confirmed a roster of 18 contracted drivers, with five Juniors and two Experts complementing the main body of factory ‘Performance’ drivers.

The continuing members of the factory lineup are last year’s new signings Lucas Auer and Philip Ellis, along with Maro Engel, Maximilian Goetz, Jules Gounon, Thomas Jaeger, Daniel Juncadella, Raffaele Marciello and Luca Stolz.

Maximilian Buhk left the program after announcing his retirement from professional racing last October.

Both Grenier and Schiller raced extensively in Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evos last year, competing in a wide range of championships.

Grenier won the Asian Le Mans Series GT3 title with SPS Automotive Performance and also drove for GruppeM Racing in the DTM.

Schiller, who at 25 years is now the youngest Mercedes-AMG factory driver, was part of the GetSpeed Performance lineup that finished second in the Nürburgring 24.

In addition to the 11-strong roster of ‘Performance’ drivers, Mercedes-AMG has signed Ralf Aron, Jordan Love and Jusuf Owega to Junior contracts, while David Schumacher and Arjun Maini continue in the same role for another year.

Furthermore, Adam Christodoulou and Daniel Morad remain Expert drivers with racing programs in specialist areas. Christodoulou will supplement Mercedes-AMG’s factory assault on the Nürburgring 24, while Morad is racing in GTWC America.

Manuel Metzger is no longer an Expert driver after holding the position last year.

“For 2023, we have added a few talented and fast guys to our strong driver line-up that has delivered undisputed top-notch achievements once again in the past season,” said Mercedes-AMG’s head of Customer Racing Stefan Wendl.

“With Ralf Aron, Jordan Love and Jusuf Owega, we welcome three new up-and-coming members into the World’s Fastest Family, all of them having proven their talent already and now able to continue their development as Junior Drivers at Mercedes-AMG.

“As a result, we are confident to be an in excellent position for the new season and we are looking forward to thrilling motorsport moments and plenty of joint success.”