With the decision to replace Mick Schumacher with Nico Hülkenberg next year, the Haas team in Formula 1 caused a mixed response. Long-time driver Mark Webber also described it as a “surprise” that the 35-year-old veteran will return as a regular driver.
The experiment of relying on complete inexperience in the team ended unsuccessfully with the US racing team. After two rookies, Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, were used as regular drivers in 2021, Haas will be building on the oldest driver duo in the field in Kevin Magnussen (30 years) and Nico Hülkenberg (35 years) from the coming season.
A development that, according to Mark Webber, was not necessarily to be expected. “To be honest, I’m a bit surprised,” said Sebastian Vettel’s former Red Bull teammate in an interview with “Channel 4”.
According to the Australian, it was foreseeable that those responsible for Haas around team boss Günther Steiner and owner Gene Haas would not opt for a rookie again after the suboptimal experiences with Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher.
However, Webber did not expect that the choice would ultimately be made by Hülkenberg, who has not had a permanent cockpit in Formula 1 since 2019.
Webber welcomes Schumacher’s move to Mercedes
Meanwhile, the nine-time Grand Prix winner believes that Mick Schumacher will actually get a place as a test and reserve driver at Mercedes from next year. There has been speculation about the possible commitment of the 23-year-old for weeks.
“His father was in this team when Mercedes got promoted again before Lewis Hamilton dominated there for years. I think it’s going to be a nice story,” Webber said.
The German connection between Mercedes and Schumacher and the opportunity to gain more experience in a top team behind the regular drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are strong arguments from Mick Schumacher’s point of view for staying with the Silver Arrows.