Schumacher's Formula 1 clock ticks and ticks - German duel for Haas cockpit

Created: 2022-10-13 4:42 p.m

By: Marius Epp

Mick Schumacher still has to worry about his place in Formula 1.

Gradually time is running out - his biggest competitor is a German.

Suzuka - It was more comfortable in the skin of Mick Schumacher.

At the beginning of his second Formula 1 season, he was still putting obstacles in his own way, most recently he was convincing with the consistency that Haas team boss Günther Steiner so often demanded.

But now it's the team that's making life difficult for him.

At the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Schumacher started furiously and had the best chance of finishing in the points.

But Haas chose a tire strategy that nobody else chose.

A disastrous decision, as it quickly turned out.

The 23-year-old was passed.

Mick Schumacher fears for whereabouts in Formula 1 - Haas is playing poker

There are still four races to go before the season is over.

Mick has four chances to convince his team of his qualities.

Haas still makes no move to commit to a driver for the new season.

For Uncle Ralf Schumacher a completely incomprehensible hesitation.

The curve is now definitely pointing in the right direction.

Mick Schumacher is still in the Haas cockpit - the future is unclear.

© Eugene Hoshiko/dpa

Although Schumacher has continued to improve over the course of the season, he repeatedly provides arguments that do not speak for him.

With his numerous crashes, he costs the racing team a lot of money, most recently he demolished his car in Suzuka training.

Nico Hulkenberg or Mick Schumacher?

But what alternatives does Haas have at all?

One German in particular is breathing down Schumacher's neck: Nico Hulkenberg.

Team boss Steiner confirmed that Haas is dealing with him.

The experienced ex-driver is ready at any time and has impressively demonstrated his reliability in his assignments as a reserve driver.

With him, the US racing team would get a driver who promises constant performance, but on the other hand is already 35 years old and, unlike Schumacher, probably has little potential for improvement.

"He's not a real alternative," Ralf Schumacher is certain.

All German Formula 1 drivers since 1980

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Formula 1 madness in Suzuka: Verstappen suddenly declared world champion

The eternal globetrotter

Daniel Ricciardo has outsider chances in the Haas cockpit.

If Schumacher really doesn't get the confidence, there is only one plan B - and that's called Williams.

German boss Jost Capito kept a back door open for Schumacher: “Mick is very fast and a good guy.

He should be on every list of teams that still have a seat free.” From a German point of view, there is one scenario in particular that should be avoided: a season without German drivers.