Haas Boss Backtracks on Heavy “Shake Up the Establishment” Claim as Mick Schumacher Replacement Proves Failure to 2020 ‘Challenge’

From fielding an all-rookie lineup in 2021 to confiding in Nico Hulkenberg for his experience in 2023, Haas has come a long way. While Nico replacing Mick Schumacher didn’t come as a surprise, the shift in mentality at Haas has. Team principal Guenther Steiner recently revealed the thought process behind bringing in Hulkenberg and it vastly differs from what he said in 2020.

While Mick Schumacher’s lack of points-scoring ability was worrisome, it was probably the habit of wrecking the car too often that cost him the seat. To make sure that did not happen again, Haas had to bring in someone who understands the struggles of a midfield team. And that is exactly what Nico Hulkenberg brings to the table- his experience of working with mid-table teams.

On BBC’s F1: Chequered Flag podcast, Steiner said, “He [Nico Hulkenberg] has driven for a lot of teams. That is one of the main reasons. You know he’s been with a lot of teams in the midfield. He knows how a midfield team operates, how to get the best out of it because we looked at it and all the teams he were at, they got up at top when he was there. So, we hope to use his experience to bring the team up.”

“That is why we pick Nico even if he didn’t drive for three years and as you called him old almost, he’s only mid-thirties, so he’s not this old. But, he’s very experienced, call it this way.”

Read More: Amid Recent Fan Backlash, Is Nico Hulkenberg Really “Mid”?

Haas will now have two experienced drivers in their lineup with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg at the helm. The lineup differs vastly from what Haas fielded in 2021.

How Guenther Steiner justified having an all-rookie lineup for 2021?

After a failed stint with Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, Haas brought in Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin in 2021. The team signed two rookie drivers majorly for the sponsors they brought with them. The Haas boss, however, justified the risky decision.

Speaking before confirming the two drivers in 2020, Steiner revealed, “Sometimes you just need change to shake up a bit the establishment, and also whatever we do next year, whether it’s two rookies or not, we have always done things by not following what has been done before.”

“Sometimes a challenge is an opportunity and next year we have a challenge of not having the car we would like to have.”

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The American team let Nikita Mazepin go in 2022 as Kevin Magnussen made a comeback in the team. Now the team has shown Mick the door for Hulkenberg and his experience. Haas has learned from their mistake. But is the decision to bring in a driver who hasn’t raced regularly for 3 years the right call?