The current F1 season has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. We have witnessed an all-around package of everything: excitement, frustration, contract drama, and much more. However, the season is only halfway through, and a recent announcement from Haas F1 might spring more chaos surrounding Mick Schumacher.

Haas F1 made a major announcement earlier today, which is certainly going to fuel the rumor mill in Formula 1. The American constructors announced that Antonio Giovinazzi will participate in FP1 sessions for the team at the Italian Grand Prix and the United States Grand Prix. The Ferrari reserve driver has not raced in Formula 1 since the end of last year.

The announcement caught the attention of F1 fans, and popular journalist Will Buxton was quick to give his opinion on Twitter.

READ MORE: F1 Fans Suspect Mick Schumacher in Alpine’s Second Seat as the Ferrari Protégé Leaves a Compelling Breadcrumb Trail

The current Haas driver lineup includes Kevin Magnussen and the son of the 7-time World Champion, Mick Schumacher. Many find the announcement intriguing, especially with the contract dispute going on between Alpine, McLaren, and Oscar Piastri.

Rumor has it that Mick Schumacher is the favorite to take the 2023 Alpine seat, replacing the outgoing Fernando Alonso. The German has put in some impressive shifts this year, scoring his first points in F1 in the process.

Meanwhile, Giovinazzi took to Twitter to confirm the announcement made by Haas F1.

Whether Haas are looking to replace Mick with the Italian is another burning question reeking for an answer.

Mick Schumacher to race for Alpine in 2023?

With Sebastian Vettel retiring at the end of the season, and two-time Champion Alonso moving to Aston Martin Racing, one can expect a few more changes in next season’s driver lineups.

The announcement made by Haas today might be a backup plan for them in case Mick leaves. The German is also out of a contract with Haas after racing with them for 2 years.

The rumors were further fueled when Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi followed Michael Schumacher‘s son on Instagram. Alpine, on the other hand, looks like they are about to lose the talented Oscar Piastri to McLaren. In a saga that unfolded on Twitter, Alpine had released a press statement stating Oscar Piastri was going to race for them.

However, the Australian quickly denied that he had signed any contract with Alpine to race for them next year.

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Haas F1’s recent announcement is tricky to decode. It is not yet known if they are looking at Giovinazzi as a backup plan or if he is simply testing their race car for them. Whatever the scenario might be, one can expect a lot of shuffling amongst the driver lineups next season.