The 23-year-old has only known for a few days that Mick Schumacher will have to put his Formula 1 career on hold for the time being. However, the Haas team had been toying with the idea of parting ways with the German for several months. That’s what Schumacher’s successor Nico Hulkenberg blurted out at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Only team boss Günther Steiner and owner Gene Haas know exactly when Mick Schumacher was eliminated from Team Haas. In the past, both have always maintained that they gave the 23-year-old further chances to save his cockpit.
This account is true, but behind the scenes those responsible have been working on a plan B for some time. More or less involuntarily, Schumacher’s successor Nico Hülkenberg revealed this on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
When asked how his collaboration with Haas came about, the Emmericher replied in “sky“-Interview: “It happened after the summer, during the summer break. But that was bit by bit.” Means: Haas was already sounding out the market for a possible Schumacher heir in the summer.
At the same time, Hülkenberg also confirmed the presentation of the team managers, who wanted to give Schumacher the opportunity to recommend himself for a contract extension. “Mick then suddenly performed better and he was given time, and it all took longer and longer,” Hulkenberg gave an insight behind the scenes.
The deadline for Mick Schumacher did not really run until the penultimate race of the season. At least Hülkenberg said he had been “quite optimistic” about his contract with the US racing team for the past two months. The 35-year-old added that he was never really sure. “Because it went to the end and it was only bagged a few days ago.”
Hulkenberg no longer believed in Formula 1 return
Before those responsible for Haas contacted Hülkenberg, the German had more or less closed the Formula 1 chapter. “In the summer, the probability was greater for me that it wouldn’t work than that it would work,” said the veteran, who was therefore able to approach the topic “quite relaxed”.
But now he is “of course happy” and looks forward to being able to get back into the car. “It’s going to be a more intense year again. Being the third driver is more chilled. You don’t sit in a hot seat and have the pressure to perform. But I’ve had the break now and felt that I didn’t want to close the book completely.” , explained “Hulk”, who will be behind the wheel during the test drives for his new team in the coming weeks.