Berlin (AP) – The turbulence surrounding his Formula 1 team Haas is also affecting Mick Schumacher.
“We tried to keep the focus on racing. It was of course anything but easy with all the terrible events in Ukraine,” said the 22-year-old to “Bild am Sonntag”. Nevertheless, he still does not regret his signature with the US racing team, assured Schumacher. “No, not at all. I’m happy here and get along with everyone. That’s not to be taken for granted,” said the son of Formula 1 record world champion Michael Schumacher.
The team, which had been left behind in the previous year in terms of sport, announced the short-term separation from the second regular driver, the Russian Nikita Masepin. Haas also severed ties with Russian title sponsor Uralkali, of which Masepin’s father Dmitri is a co-owner, amid Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
Before the last test drives in Bahrain, it was initially unclear who would get the second cockpit next to Schumacher for the new season and what the financial future of the racing team would be like without one of the most important sponsors. After the first practice laps, Schumacher was still hopeful for his second year in Formula 1. “The first impression is positive. I think we can drive the car further up the field,” he said.