Mick Schumacher’s time in the Formula 1 paddock might be coming to a premature end, with the German looking increasingly likely to be replaced by ‘veteran’ Nico Hulkenberg for 2023.
The 23-year-old’s contract is currently due to expire after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; however, he had been in contention to receive an extension by the Americans, with Haas boss Guenther Steiner having previously stated that the son of Michael Schumacher has a “50/50 chance” to stay in 2023.
Following an announcement made by Aston Martin, though, it appears that Haas are opting to fill their vacant seat with experience rather than youth.
The Silverstone-based team announced that reigning Formula E World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne would be the side’s reserve and test driver in 2023, a role that Hulkenberg currently holds at the side.
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It’s led to many wondering if Vandoorne is Hulkenberg’s replacement, given that the side also have reigning F2 World Champion Felipe Drugovich as part of the outfit now.
Should Schumacher be set to receive the boot from Haas, it’s difficult to predict where he’ll be doing his racing in 2023.
His only hope to remain in F1 would be if Logan Sargeant endures the worst imaginable F2 season finale at Abu Dhabi, with the American needing to end the year in the top seven to claim enough points for an F1 superlicence.
Sargeant currently sits in third and has already been announced as a Williams driver for next season, if he achieves the necessary result.
Should he do that, then Schumacher will need to look for either a reserve role at Ferrari, perhaps, or a seat in another series, where, though, is a good question.
It will definitely need to be another series rather than another sport for the German, with football appearing to be very much off the cards following a recent blunder.
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Supposedly, Schumacher is meant to be quite a good footballer and is a regular player in any F1-related charity match, similar to what his father was like.
However, prior to the Mexican Grand Prix the German was captured missing an open goal whilst messing about at Haas’ annual match, which he didn’t take part in.
Haas’ YouTube channel recorded Schumacher smashing the ball over the crossbar whilst the goal was empty, highlighting that a side career in football is certainly not on the cards.