05 August 2023 , 15:59
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Mick Schumacher will "quickly lose the public eye" if he doesn't get back on the Formula 1 grid soon.
The German is currently out of a drive and is serving this season as the Mercedes reserve driver. The son of Michael, who won a record-equalling seven world championships, has previously raced with Haas having won Formula 2 back in 2020.
Schumacher though wasn't able to show his talents with Haas lacking in competitiveness. It meant he spent much of his time driving towards the back of the grid before he was moved on by the American team, leaving few options open before he was signed by the Silver Arrows.
His compatriot, Hans-Joachim Stuck, who raced in F1 back in the 1970s, admits the 24-year-old needs to make sure he takes an opening sooner rather than later with drivers who spend too much time away from the grid often being left behind.
He told Eurosport when quizzed on Schumacher: "In his current job, Schumacher just has to fight his way through. He will certainly be learning a lot at the moment, both with tests and simulator work. But how he gets a cockpit remains to be seen. If you can't show and prove yourself in the race, you'll quickly lose the public eye.
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"So a second year of testing would certainly not do him any good. It remains to be seen what Toto Wolff intends to do with him. It's certainly not easy. For me he belongs in Formula 1 - no question. He should be able to show his skills again, in a car he deserves and with a decent team boss."
The German is determined to return to the grid next season (AP)Schumacher has been able to work alongside Lewis Hamilton and George Russell whilst at Mercedes, who have previously been the sport's dominant outfit. The German is confident something will open up for him as he seeks a swift return.
“I’m always ready for action,” he told RTL. “Believe me: I’m working very hard to hopefully be back in the car soon. See you very soon. Next year at the latest. I’m sure something will develop in the near future.”
It was Nico Hulkenberg who replaced Schumacher at Haas and Stuck is adamant that he, and his former Renault team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, should be on the grid. "For me, Nico belongs in Formula 1 like Ricciardo," he said. "You shouldn't forget that he's not in a top car. But I think it's great what's happening there. He has his teammate Kevin Magnussen under control - that's a good indication of his qualities."