Year on bench could be 'fatal' for Schumacher's F1 career
Aug.11 - Sitting out even a year of Formula 1 would be "fatal" to Mick Schumacher's career.
That is the view of German racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck info, responding to rumours the 23-year-old son of Michael Schumacher could be ousted by Haas.
"He needs to stick with it now, show himself and set an example, as he has already done this year," the 71-year-old told Eurosport. "But not driving in Formula 1 for a year would be fatal."
Ralf Schumacher and Mick Schumacher, talk to the press during the 2022 Austrian GP event (Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images)
It is rumoured that Schumacher could either have to spend the entire 2023 season as Ferrari's reserve driver, or lose the support of the Maranello team's 'academy' altogether.
Most insiders are not seriously connecting Schumacher's name with any team other than Haas for next year.
"If for some reason it doesn't work out for him with another team, he'll just have to do it with Haas for another year," Stuck said.
"If Mick can't find another cockpit, I wouldn't understand it from Haas' perspective. Because they won't get anyone better.
"But I'd be surprised if Mick doesn't find a job anywhere. He shows impeccable performances which the people in charge can see. He also has a great name.
"A team looking for a young driver can do no better than signing Mick Schumacher," former F1 driver Stuck insisted.
Schumacher has reportedly been told by Haas that there will be no contract negotiations over the summer break, but his uncle Ralf says that is not so alarming.
"As a rule, August or September is the time when you look around for drivers," he told Sky Deutschland.
"If he gets another opportunity where he can show himself, that's fine. But the main thing is that he has a decent cockpit in Formula 1," Ralf added.
However, Michael Schumacher's younger brother admits Mick could find himself without a seat.
"I mean, there are also some drivers from Formula 2 who are pushing and also have money, like Drugovich for example," Ralf Schumacher said.
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Mick's uncle Ralf and fellow countryman Hans Stuck wouldn't be biased would they? They have more bias than a lawn bowling ball!
Mick needs to achieve some better results and to get in the habit of bringing straight and unbent cars back to the pits!
He got his chance. Not many people can say that. The window of opportunity is a bitch and won't look back. He is fast but not as fast and consistent as his dad was.
Yes, better not to get ahead of ourselves & I'm still wholly confident about his continuation, as I've mentioned a few times.
Agree. It's a bit early to write him off. He is progressing at his historical pace, with a team that is barely midfield. Comparing him to his dad is unfair as not many measure up to Michael. The second half is critical.....put up, or it's off to the stables.
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