Is Mick Schumacher in danger of losing his Formula 1 cockpit? – His uncle Ralf Schumacher criticises the start of the season, but hopes for a “decent cockpit “
Mick Schumacher’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. The 23-year-old’s contract with the American Haas team expires at the end of the season, while vacant cockpits at other teams are gradually becoming redundant, as was the case most recently with Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin, where Schumacher has been mooted as a potential successor to Vettel.
His uncle and Sky pundit Ralf Schumacher is hopeful that his nephew will stay in Formula 1, although his performances, particularly at the start of the season, have not been in his favour.
Asked how he would assess the 2022 season for the Haas driver, Schumacher says: “Well, I have to say, Mick started very weak, of course. Mick started weak in relation to Magnussen, you just have to see it that way, but then found his way and at the right time. “
When will the driver decision be made at Haas?
“And here [in Hungary] with the package, I think he did a decent job. You couldn’t expect much more now. That’s why everything is on track. And no matter what: I mean, Haas is a team where you can show yourself first this year.”
“That’s what he’s done a couple of times and that’s what it’s going to stay, hopefully with the update as well. And if he has another opportunity where he can show himself, then fine, but the main thing is he has a proper cockpit in Formula One,” the Sky pundit hopes.
It is understood that Haas team boss Guenther Steiner sees no rush to extend Schumacher’s contract early and that he will first look at the races after the summer break before making a decision.
“Usually now in August, September is the time when you look around for drivers,” Ralf Schumacher explains. “I mean, there are also some from Formula 2 who are pushing a bit, of course, and also have money. There’s [Felipe] Drugovich in the mix, by name, who definitely wants to move on after three or four years in Formula 2. “
If Schumacher were to be shown the door at Haas, there would in theory still be vacancies at Alpine, Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri and Williams, but the German is by no means considered a top favourite by these teams.
According to the French ‘Autohebdo’, still-McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo is a hot candidate to succeed Alonso at Alpine, while the other teams mentioned have their own Formula 2 young talents in their ranks in addition to the current regular drivers, who would probably be given preference in case of doubt.
