The dilemma regarding Mick Schumacher’s contract extension continues as Haas looks at their options. Mick has delivered a few noteworthy performances this season with evident growth in his driving skills. The young German scored his first points in F1 this year and currently sits at P17 with 12 points. However, him keeping his current role at Haas for the 2023 season seems unlikely.
Haas boss, Gene Haas, has made it abundantly clear that Mick’s future at Haas may not come to fruition as the German hasn’t earned enough points.
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The six-time F1 race winner, Ralf Schumacher, brother of the legendary Michael Schumacher, has stepped in to voice his opinion on the matter.
In his ‘Sky German‘ column, Ralf wrote, “Mick has done everything he needs to do to continue driving for Haas in Formula 1 in 2023. Gene Haas [team owner] and Guenther Steiner [principal] will also think about it properly and then realize that there is no alternative to Mick.”
However, Mick may have a different option for the 2026 season. According to Ralf, with Audi entering the picture with an official stake in Sauber, Mick can potentially fill their seat.
Talking to SPORT1, he shared, “I think it’s all about getting through 2023 for Mick. Because the way I see it, his future lies with Audi. They want him and there have already been talks.”
Read more: Speculations Grow Around Sebastian Vettel After Audi Confirms Entry into F1
There have also been rumors that state the four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, will be back on the grid with Audi. According to many, Aston Martin’s Vettel is considering walking in the footsteps of his idol, Michael Schumacher, and will find his way back to the tracks.
Sauber is said to let go of the Ferrari engines and embrace Audi by the year 2026. As per the speculations, Vettel will be a good fit for the German team. If things were to work out this way, Vettel and Schumacher could be teammates!
Mick Schumacher’s possible options for 2023 in F1
As the season is coming to an end, Mick is yet to decide how he wishes to navigate his driving career for the upcoming year. According to Ralf, his nephew has options that he could consider. However, he suggests staying on the grid would be the most beneficial.
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Ralf explained that Mick could consider taking up the role of a reserve driver and eventually find his way back behind the wheel in 2024, much like his fellow driver, Daniel Ricciardo who currently drives for McLaren. However, he stresses that it is paramount for the young German to stay on track.
“Mick will be entering his third year in F1, the car has been developed very well. Because of the cost cap, the other teams won’t make any big leaps either. Continuity would therefore be important for both parties, because 2023 would be the year when they could reap the fruits of their own labour and celebrate even greater successes together,” he concluded.
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Things haven’t been going the young German’s way for a while now. But what holds in the future of Mick Schumacher according to you?