Two races until the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, there are still a lot of doubts regarding the final line-up of Haas for the 2023 championship, with the American team remaining the only one not to have officially confirmed one of its two drivers for next season.
While Kevin Magnussen’s seat is certain, team principal Günther Steiner made no secret of evaluating an all-German ‘derby’ between Ferrari junior Mick Schumacher and Aston Martin reserve driver Nico Hülkenberg. About the Ferrari Driver Academy member, the manager from Bolzano has repeatedly admitted a certain disappointment for some mistakes made by the 23-year-old during the 2022 F1 season, up to the point of publicly questioning his contract renewal.
At the same time, Günther Steiner is also considering signing Nico Hülkenberg, with the 35-year-old that could therefore return to Formula 1 as a driver after two years.
If the latter were to be chosen, with the final decision that should be officially announced before the next round of the F1 campaign, the Brazilian Grand Prix, Mick Schumacher would lose his place on the grid for next year, a situation with which former German driver who has competed in Formula One and many other categories, Hans-Joachim Stuck, strongly disagrees.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
The 71-year-old, nicknamed “Strietzel”, was recently interviewed by ServusTV, admitted that in fact such a decision may unfortunately represent the end of Mick Schumacher‘s Formula 1 hopes even for the future, despite the fact that Audi seems interested in the German driver for 2026.
A possibility that does not convince Hans-Joachim Stuck, who expressed his thoughts on Günther Steiner’s approach: “Unfortunately for Mick it is still too early for Audi, because they will not be there until 2026 – he said, as reported by ServusTV – “if he is not confirmed at Haas, he will no longer be in Formula 1. This is very clear. I also say very clearly that Mick belongs in Formula 1. A young driver sometimes has to make some mistakes, because he doesn’t know what the limit of the car is. Günther Steiner was wrong to unnecessarily put Mick under pressure with useless criticism. It’s crazy to have a seat and not confirm Mick. If he gets the right car, he will be great in the future” – the Son of WW2 racing driver Hans Stuck concluded.
Leave a Reply