Mick Schumacher Told To 'Keep One Foot In Formula One' By Former F1 Driver

Sunday, 29 October 2023 at 07:00

Ex-Formula 1 driver Nick Heidfeld gave a recommendation in a recent interview to the Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher.

Mick Schumacher is the son of the seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher. Growing up and deciding to become a racing driver, there were naturally high expectations of the 24-year-old.

He was given a chance by the Haas F1 team in 2021 to race alongside Nikita Mazepin, who would later be replaced by the current driver, Kevin Magnussen.

What was unlucky for the young German was that the 2021 Haas car was not competitive at all. Neither Mazepin nor Schumacher could score a single point throughout the whole season.

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The car was better in the 2022 season. The driver duo of Schumacher and Magnussen scored 37 points and secured eighth place in the Constructors' Championship for the team.

However, the performances of Schumacher were not convincing enough for Haas to keep him. The team chose older, experienced drivers for their lineup in 2023, keeping Magnussen and adding Nico Hulkenberg as a replacement for Schumacher.

While the 24-year-old was left without a seat for season 2023, Mercedes took him under the wings into the position of reserve driver. Nick Heidfeld told F1-Insider:

“"He should try to keep one foot in Formula 1, even if it's just as a test driver. Back then, I was a test driver for Pirelli and a reserve driver for Mercedes. We can see it with Nico Hulkenberg as well."”

Nico Hulkenberg did not have a seat in Formula One after 2019 when Renault decided against prolonging his contract. However, the German driver was able to make a comeback when he got the above-mentioned seat in Haas for season 2023.

“"He was written off three times and now he's firmly back in the saddle. You always have to believe in yourself and the opportunity, never back down, and seek your chances. I hope and believe that Mick is doing that and has the right guidance."”