Mick Schumacher with an inopportune crash - pointer to the future of Formula 1?

Created: 07/10/2022, 16:54

By: Michelle Brey

Mick Schumacher suffered a setback in the first practice session at Suzuka.

© Eugene Hoshiko/dpa

Mick Schumacher's future is still unclear.

The 23-year-old crashed badly in practice before the Grand Prix in Suzuka.

Nonetheless, he remains positive.

Suzuka/Munich - Mick Schumacher's future is still uncertain.

The German is still without a contract with Haas for the coming season.

He has to recommend himself through good results in Formula 1.

Will he succeed?

Shortly before the Japanese Grand Prix, the 23-year-old suffered a serious setback.

A first hint?

Formula 1: Mick Schumacher with a crash in training - "only a passenger"

Contrary to what was hoped, the important Japanese Grand Prix has started for Mick Schumacher.

After an accident at the end of the rainy first free practice session, his car had to be extensively modified.

A lot of costs and money.

Resources that the Haas team have very limited at their disposal.

In turn eight, Schumacher had spun on the rain-soaked track in his Haas racing car and hit the barriers hard.

After months of strong performances, images of the serious crashes that Schumacher allowed himself at the beginning of the season came up again.

The car sustained damage to the front wing, nose, front suspension and underbody.

“It rained more in this one piece.

I didn't see that puddle," said Schumacher.

As on a normal freeway, there was an "aquaplaning moment".

"You just don't do anything and you're actually just a passenger," he explained.

Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher's Haas racing car is removed from the track after a crash.

© TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP

He himself was unharmed in the crash and was able to quickly get out of the racing car.

Due to the accident, the F1 driver missed the second session - and therefore important training time on the circuit, which was still new to him.

His car should be repaired before qualifying on Saturday.

Japanese Grand Prix: Mick Schumacher crashes - pointer to his future?

Nevertheless, the accident probably came at the worst possible time.

Especially with a view to the still uncertain future of the 23-year-old - and the constant demand from Haas team boss Günther Steiner: Good results, no expensive crashes.

After training, Steiner was as usual gruff, "There is nothing good about this crash," said the South Tyrolean.

And of course there is water on the route, "it's a difficult job."

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In any case, an agreement on a new contract beyond the end of the season does not seem to be in sight for the time being.

"We have no pressure.

We want to make the right decision and we're taking our time," Steiner said in the Singapore paddock.

And even before the Japanese Grand Prix, he reiterated that there is no rush to tie someone down.

Training accident affecting Schumacher's Formula 1 future?

Steiner said on Friday that the accident will have no effect on the contract situation.

"That has little to do with the matter," says the Haas team boss.

And Schumacher also does not believe that his training accident will have an impact on the ongoing talks about his Formula 1 future.

"I would be surprised if that affects my chances of getting the contract," he said.

"The performance is there, points are definitely possible on Sunday."

In fact, Schumacher did well in the first practice session, was in seventh place with his time and could have been higher with less traffic jams on the track.

The times, however, were still of very limited meaningfulness.

For example, world champion Max Verstappen, who can win his second title early on Sunday, was not among the best on the timesheets.

It's supposed to be dry in Saturday's qualifying, but it could rain again on Sunday.

Despite his crash, the 23-year-old is hoping for a good position at the Suzuka Grand Prix.

Last but not least, the small US team has been waiting for World Championship points for six races.