After only two years in Formula 1, the premier class chapter for Mick Schumacher is over – at least for the time being. The US racing team Haas announced the end of the 23-year-old on Thursday morning. In an emotional statement, the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher announced his comeback.
“This will be my last race for the Haas F1 Team,” Mick Schumacher wrote on social media, admitting: “I don’t want to hide that I am very disappointed with the decision not to renew our contract.”
Nevertheless, Schumacher thanked Haas and the Ferrari Driver Academy. “The years together have allowed me to mature both athletically and personally,” said the racing driver, who emphasized: “And just when things got difficult, I realized how much I love this sport.”
Schumacher described the past season in Formula 1 as “bumpy”, but he “continuously improved” and “learned a lot”. Therefore, the 2020 Formula 2 World Champion knows “that I deserve a place in Formula 1.”
Schumacher continued: “For me, the topic is anything but over. Setbacks only make me stronger. My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to get back on the grid.”
Schumacher, who had to be considered counted since his serious accident in Monaco in May at the latest, could at least remain as a reserve driver in the premier class.
Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff flirted publicly with this option last weekend – especially since the Silver Arrows are on the lookout. He “makes no secret of the fact that the Schumacher family belongs to Mercedes and that we appreciate Mick very much,” said Wolff.
Mick Schumacher’s statement in full:
This will be my last race for Haas F1 Team. I don’t want to hide that I’m very disappointed with the decision not to renew our contract.
I would like to say a big thank you to both Haas F1 and the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for giving me this opportunity. The years together have allowed me to mature both athletically and personally. And just when it got difficult, I realized how much I love this sport.
It was bumpy at times, but I’ve steadily improved, learned a lot and now I know I deserve a place in Formula 1. For me, the subject is anything but closed. Setbacks only make me stronger.
My passion burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to get back on the grid.