Mick Schumacher gave a strong hint that he has been informed by Haas of his Formula 1 future will look like.
Team boss Guenther Steiner has spent the last few months mulling over the German's future. Schumacher is fast on his day, but he has struggled to score points this year and has had a number of costly crashes which have been expensive for the American team.
Those factors have left Haas considering the more experienced Nico Hulkenberg as a potential replacement for 2023. Steiner has refused to be rushed into a decision, but suggested he plans to announce who will partner Kevin Magnussen next year within the next week.
Schumacher has, so far, been unable to say much in public as he too has been in the dark about his future with the team. But, discussing his situation after Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, the German made some comments which suggested he may have been told he will be replaced.
"Sometimes it's your year and sometimes it's not and I guess this year hasn't been mine," said the 23-year-old after another pointless finish in 13th place. "We still have one more to go and we'll give it our best."
He then insisted: "I don't know if I'll be in Formula 1 next year, but I think I deserve it. If Haas doesn't want to continue with me, I will look at other options to restart my F1 career in 2024. This is where I want to be. It's my sanctuary."
If Haas do indeed choose Hulkenberg – German media have reported that will be the case – there is still a small chance Schumacher could be saved by Williams. They have already declared their intention to promote Logan Sargeant to their vacant F1 seat for 2023, but the American is not yet guaranteed a superlicence so it is possible they might have to look elsewhere.
Williams chief Jost Capito admitted Schumacher will be considered if his team do need to switch to Plan B, but made it clear he expects Sargeant to get the seat. "If it doesn't work out with the superlicense, everyone who has experience and a superlicense is an option," said the German.
"We have dealt with all those who come into question. But it hasn't yet been decided whether Mick will stay at Haas or not. It would not have been possible to do that yet." Capito also added that he is "98 per cent" confident that Sargeant will score enough F2 points in Abu Dhabi next weekend to secure his superlicence, and therefore his Williams seat in F1.
