Mick Schumacher had another disappointing race last weekend, after finishing P12 at the Italian Grand Prix.
The German actually fared better than Haas team-mate Kevin Magnussen during the race, even though, the 23-year-old missed FP1, the majority of FP2 and a good amount of FP3.
Schumacher remains without a contract for next season, with it looking increasingly unlikely that he’ll be retained by the American team in 2023.
Daniel Ricciardo and Antonio Giovinazzi have both been linked with the seat alongside Magnussen; however, Aston Martin reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg has emerged as a shock candidate for the vacant seat.
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Schumacher is, of course, still part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, despite reports that he’s set to part ways with the manufacturer.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto discussed Schumacher’s future following the Italian GP, where he explained that “hopefully” an option for the German would be made possible with Haas.
“It was another unfortunate weekend for Mick, he had problems with the car and couldn’t drive much before qualifying, which is why he had to start from the back,” Binotto told Sky Germany.
“We still have a few races, then we’ll sit down with Haas and hopefully find the best decision for him and his future.”
Haas are considering any driver “with a superlicence”; however, Haas boss Guenther Steiner is more than happy to take his time with the decision of who will partner Magnussen.
The American team clearly feels like they have all the cards in their hands, which is arguably the truth.
The vacant Haas seat is one of the final seats to be filled for 2023, with four drivers having all been linked to it.
The side need to make a decision on what path they want to take next year, whether they want an experienced line-up, or if they want to have a driver onboard who is a project for the future.
The current line-up of Magnussen and Schumacher combines both experience and youth, with the pair being able to learn from one another.
Steiner is unsure if Schumacher will remain with the team or not but did admit that the German can still “show what he can do”.
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“We are considering what is best for the development of the team,” he said.
“Do we only look at the technology or also the driving element?
“To be honest, we don’t know if Mick will stay or not. He delivered very good races in Canada, England and Austria, but he lacks the consistency to perform well. We’re in no hurry on the driver issue and Mick still has chances to show what he can do.”