Haas driver Mick Schumacher has left the door open to future possibilities amid links between himself and the vacant Aston Martin seat next year.
Following four world championships and 53 race wins, Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 on Thursday, bringing an end to an illustrious 15-year career.
It leaves the German’s drive at Aston Martin available next season and, with Schumacher out of contract at the end of 2022, he has been linked with the his compatriot’s spot.
Schumacher is a long-term friend of Vettel, who himself has always had a strong relationship with the Haas driver’s father and seven-time champion, Michael.
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Schumacher has scored points in two of the last three races after a significant upturn in form, so his stock is rising.
Whether this will lead him to want or indeed attract a move to another team remains to be seen, but he is focused on the here and now with Haas.
“Obviously, there is still lots to do here so that is where my focus lies at the moment and what the future brings, we will see,” he said.
“Never say never, but obviously my focus is Budapest right now.”
Schumacher is a Ferrari junior driver and has made no secret of the fact that he wants a move to Maranello in the future.
However, there is currently no room at the Inn, with both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc contracted until the end of 2024.
“Ferrari is full and here is not, what happens, we will see,” added Schumacher.
“Again, if there is anything that we have a feeling that we need to share, we will share it at the right moment.”
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Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll sponsored Michael during his championship winning days with Ferrari, and also funded part of Mick’s karting career, so the pair have an established relationship.
“I have known them for a very long time and we have always been good with each other,” explained Mick.
“Also, back in karting, he has always taken care of me.”
Daniel Ricciardo has committed his future to McLaren amid speculation surrounding him but, despite his deal that does not expire until the end of next season, he was asked in the press conference in Hungary about whether he would have any interest in switching to the Silverstone-based side.
“Did you hear any of my interviews last week?” he joked, referring to his previous confirmation that he will be staying at the Woking-based side next year.
“Obviously, it’s nothing against that but as I said last week, my future is clear and it’s here.”
Ricciardo, who spent the 2014 season racing alongside Vettel at Red Bull, is “sad” to see his friend leave at the end of the season, while Schumacher described the 35-year-old as an “inspiration.”