Mick Schumacher will be without an F1 drive in 2023 after Haas finally confirmed German compatriot Niko Hulkenberg will replace him.
The US-owned Haas team announced on Thursday that Schumacher, son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael, will be without a full-time drive next season. Haas have instead opted for the more experienced Niko Hulkenberg to partner Kevin Magnussen.
Schumacher has had to cope with months of uncertainty surrounding his future, but his contract expires after the season-finale at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina and will not be renewed.
The talented 23-year-old, who made his F1 debut with Haas after starring in Formula 2, has struggled to perform under high levels of scrutiny, and has even come under criticism from Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner this season. Schumacher has not scored a point in 10 races and Steiner's decision to axe him brings an end to a two-year spell in the sport.
Haas boss Steiner thanked Schumacher for his services - while welcoming Hulkenberg to his team for the 2023 campaign. "Mick's pedigree in the junior categories was well known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 team," Steiner's statement read.
"While choosing to go in separate directions for the future, the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond. I'm naturally very pleased to be welcoming Nico Hulkenberg back to a full-time racing role in Formula 1.
"The experience and knowledge base Nico brings to the team is clear to see – with nearly 200 career starts in Formula 1 – and a reputation as being a great qualifier and a solid, reliable racer. These are attributes, which when you pair them together with Kevin Magnussen's experience, gives us a very credible and well-seasoned driver line-up which we believe will help push the team onwards up the grid."
Hulkenberg has been a reliable points scorer in F1 and takes his first permanent seat since leaving Renault in 2019, while Schumacher has earned just 12 championship points this season and is 16th in the overall drivers' standings. Schumacher has now opened up on his rejection after the decision was confirmed on Thursday.
“I don’t want to hide the fact that I am very disappointed with the decision not to renew out contract," he said in his statement. "Nevertheless, I would like to thank both Haas F1 and Ferrari for giving me this opportunity. Those years together have helped me to mature both technical and personally."
He continued: "It was at times bumpy but I steadily improved, learned a lot and now know for sure that I deserve a place in Formula 1,” he added. "The subject is anything but closed for me. Setbacks only make you stronger. My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to return to the starting grid."
