Schumacher's old F1 rival speaks out as son Mick explains 'plan B' for 2024
Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has given some advice to Mick Schumacher as he eyes a return to the grid next season.
Schumacher spent two seasons at Haas, but was axed ahead of the new season and ended up joining Mercedes as their reserve driver after he was unable to find a new race seat. Mercedes chiefs have spoken highly of the 23-year-old, but team principal Toto Wolff believes he will struggle to find a new seat next year.
"Unfortunately for Mick, it looks like all the doors are being closed in front of him, which is a shame because Mick deserves to be in Formula 1," Wolff said. "But maybe the timing is just bad because there are no big changes in the field for 2024."
Schumacher himself has echoed Wolff's comments, telling Sky Germany that the pair speak about his future "almost every day" and that he does have a "plan B" in mind if he cannot secure a return to the grid. And Hakkinen, who enjoyed a legendary rivalry with Schumacher's father Michael, believes it is now "very difficult for young drivers" like Mick to hone their skills.
"It's generally very difficult for young drivers today," Hakkinen told F1-Insider. "In my time, there used to be a lot more tests, so the drivers had time to develop. Today there are practically no more tests, at most you sit in the simulator.
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"And you're judged on that. When I came to McLaren, the team gave me time to develop. Today, you have to succeed straight away. If not, you're out." And when asked if he had any advice for Mick on how he could return to the grid, Hakkinen simply replied: "Brake later, accelerate earlier…"
Schumacher has been linked with a move to Williams as a potential replacement for Logan Sargeant, who has failed to pick up a single point so far this season. However, team principal James Vowles has insisted Williams have no plans to axe Sargeant.
Mika Hakkinen has shared some advice for Mick, having had a great rivalry with his father Michael Schumacher (AFP)"My plan A is investing in Logan and making sure we get the absolute most out of him," Vowles told Mirror Sport at the Dutch Grand Prix. "We keep forgetting that these guys and girls are in their young 20s. That's it. They're composed, educated individuals who know they are going to have to deliver.
"In Logan's case, he knows this is a meritocracy and he knows he needs to perform. But there's a no-blame culture. If you take someone and say, 'You're not doing a good enough job', what happens? It doesn't particularly help the situation.
"What he needs to know is that he has tremendous potential in him and he knows that. He knows that we tried to accelerate his journey into the sport one year too early, but it was the right decision at the time."
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