Haas F1 Declares Nico Hülkenberg Will Exchange Mick Schumacher

Months after each different crew on the grid firmed up their driver lineup for subsequent yr, American F1 crew Haas lastly introduced who’ll be driving for the squad in 2023. And, regardless of making enhancements over the previous yr, the crew has ousted younger German driver Mick Schumacher and can exchange him with outdated German driver Nico Hülkenberg.

Schumacher made his debut in F1 with Haas in 2021 after he received the F2 championship the yr earlier than. In his first yr within the sport, Schumacher out-qualified his crew mate, Nikita Mazepin, in each session he took half in. However, his uncompetitive Haas automobile meant that his finest end that yr was twelfth.

With a brand new automobile below him in 2021, issues have been trying up for the younger German in his second yr. However, over the primary half of the 2021 season he appeared to battle to become familiar with the automobile and was concerned in a number of dramatic, and costly, crashes.

Nonetheless, Schumacher has proven indicators of enchancment over 2022. He picked up his first factors on the British Grand Prix in July and completed sixth on the Austrian Grand Prix every week later.

However, the younger racer was outclassed by his a lot extra skilled crew mate, Kevin Magnussen, on Saturday. The Danish racer has thus far out-qualified Schumacher on 16 events this yr, with only one race left on the calendar.

Schumacher may maintain his personal within the race, although, and in occasions the place each he and Magnussen completed he ended the grand prix larger than the Dane on 9 events – Magnussen completed forward of Schumacher on seven.

However, factors are what matter to groups like Haas as they struggle for positions within the constructors championship. And, sadly, Schumacher wasn’t bringing in sufficient. Schumacher has amassed simply 12 factors this yr whereas Magnussen has greater than double.

It’s because of this, and the hefty restore invoice the younger German has amassed this yr, that Haas has opted to not renew his contract. In a statement shared on social media, Schumacher mentioned:

“That is going to be my final race with Haas F1 Group. I don’t wish to disguise the truth that I’m very dissatisfied in regards to the determination to not renew our contract. Nonetheless, I wish to thank each Haas F1 and Ferrari for giving me this chance. These years collectively have helped me to mature each technically and personally. And particularly when issues obtained troublesome, I noticed how a lot I like this sport.

“It was at occasions bumpy however I steadily improved, discovered lots and now know for positive that I deserve a spot in System 1. The topic is something however closed for me. Setbacks solely make you stronger.

“My fireplace burns for System 1 and I’ll struggle onerous to return to the beginning grid.”

With one German driver out, Haas is swapping in one other as Niko Hülkenberg will probably be racing for the crew in 2023.

Hülkenberg obtained his begin in F1 means again in 2010 with Williams, the place he partnered Rubens Barrichello. In his first yr within the sport, the German racer scored his first and solely pole place at Brazil.

He went on to drive for Drive India and Renault, amassing a formidable variety of factors finishes over his profession. However, he was let go from the Renault F1 crew on the finish of the 2019 season.

Hülkenberg remained within the paddock as reserve driver for Racing Level and Aston Martin, beginning two grands prix for every crew when drivers have been out with COVID-19.

Now, with 181 F1 begins to his identify, Hülkenberg holds the fairly unlucky document for essentially the most race begins with out a podium end. Hopefully his subsequent stint with Haas will put an finish to that run.

In a press release shared by the Haas F1 crew, Hülkenberg mentioned:

“I’m very completely happy to maneuver right into a full-time race seat with Haas F1 Group in 2023. I really feel like I by no means actually left System 1.

“I’m excited to have the chance to do what I like essentially the most once more and wish to thank Gene Haas and Günther Steiner for his or her belief. We now have work forward of us to have the ability to compete with all the opposite groups within the midfield, and I can’t wait to affix that battle once more.”

Hülkenberg will get his first style of the Haas F1 equipment on the finish of season check in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday November 22. He’ll then line up on the grid alongside Kevin Magnussen at the primary race of the 2023 season in Bahrain on March 5.