Mick Schumacher may be facing the last two races of his Formula 1 career for the time being. The son of record world champion Michael Schumacher still does not have a contract for 2023 under his belt, and in the meantime, the end of his career with the Haas team is even considered the more likely option. Nevertheless, he remains resolute.
Before the first practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, the 23-year-old once again made it clear to the media: “My plan is to continue.”
As things stand, 19 of the 20 cockpits for the upcoming Formula One season are already firmly allocated, with only the second Haas car available alongside seeded Kevin Magnussen.
Steiner does not rush
Team boss Günther Steiner had recently held out the prospect of finally announcing between the last two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi how the US racing team intends to set itself up for 2023.
“You don’t have to ask me about probabilities or percentages any more,” Steiner said now, “I’m not going to answer that.” He added that the decision was “imminent, but I am very busy.”
When asked why the entire decision-making process would take so long, the German recently reacted rather snappishly, explaining: “I think very slowly.”
Nevertheless, Steiner emphasised that the decision on the driver line-up was “imminent”.
Meanwhile, the team boss does not believe that Schumacher feels great pressure because of the unresolved situation. “It’s part of a racing driver’s job to deal with pressure,” Steiner said.
“We have always given him the feeling that we are doing the best possible job. We have never favoured any driver, we are 100 per cent correct there.”
Mick Schumacher says giving up in Formula 1 is not an option
Mick Schumacher also reacted on Thursday to recent statements by long-time Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone about his future.
“I don’t think he’s in. People were disappointed and not happy with his performance – whether it was down to him or the team, we don’t know. […] Maybe he has to forget F1 and focus on the other motorsport series,” Ecclestone had said.
For Schumacher, however, turning his back on the pinnacle of motorsport is not an issue.
“It’s hard to forget Formula One. I love it too much, so I won’t do that. Everyone always has an opinion on everything, but I care about the opinions of the people I care about,” said the German driver.
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