Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone expects it to be “difficult” for Mick Schumacher to return to the grid in the future, after being dumped by Haas at the end of last season.
The son of Michael Schumacher endured a mixed two years at the American team, with him simply having made too many errors last season.
Schumacher crashed heavily in Saudi Arabia and Monaco, to the extent where his car quite literally broke in half, much to the anger and frustration of the team.
Due to his errors and the need to move further into the midfield, Haas opted not to extend the 23-year-old’s contract beyond 2022, with the incredibly experienced Nico Hulkenberg having been signed as his replacement.
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Somewhat unfairly, the young German wasn’t told of his fate until there were no seats left on the grid, meaning he had to search for a reserve role if he wanted to remain in the paddock.
Mercedes, of course, quickly hired Schumacher as their reserve driver for 2023; however, very little is known about the German’s future beyond the forthcoming season.
Ecclestone is certain that Schumacher’s career would currently look very differently if his father was by his side, with the seven-time World Champion still recovering from his horrific skiing accident.
Very little is heard of regarding the status of Mick’s father, who’s experience Ecclestone believes would’ve given him “so much help”.
“With Michael at his side as a consultant, Mick would be a regular driver in the cockpit of a good team,” Ecclestone told Sport Bild magazine.
“With all of his experience, Michael could have given his son so much help. He would have shown him the right way in terms of driving, but also politically.”
Ecclestone went on to claim that Red Bull would’ve suited Schumacher more than moving to Haas and the Ferrari Driver Academy, with the German having departed the Academy following his move to Mercedes.
The former ‘F1 Supremo’ believes the Austrians would’ve taken better care of the driver, something Mercedes will be hoping to do.
“He was with the wrong team,” Ecclestone lamented.
“Red Bull would have been better for him. They would have cared more for him there and built him up.”
With everything in mind, Ecclestone isn’t convinced that Schumacher will return to the grid, at least not in a team “in which he can win”.
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The 92-year-old also thinks the famous surname is playing a crucial part, with living up to the pressure being his “biggest problem”.
“The burden of the name is heavy,” Ecclestone said.
“Living up to that name is Mick’s biggest problem. It will be difficult for him to find a cockpit now – especially one in which he can win. Sorry to say it.”