The F1 driver market has one seat left - so why can’t anyone claim it?
There is still one seat on the F1 grid remaining for next year, with Haas still yet to decide who will partner 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Kevin Magnussen.
Mick Schumacher, 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Nico Hulkenberg and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Antonio Giovinazzi have been linked w𝓀ith the seat over the last few months,ℱ with the German duo leading the way in securing the seat.
It’s likely that 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Daniel Ricciardo was Haas’ preferred option, however, the Australian wants a break from F1, ultimately rejectin🐻g their offer.
Ahead of the race a൲t the Circuit of the Americas, team owner Gene Haas set Schumacher the ta꧂rget of a points finish if he wants to remain in F1 with the team.
The German looked on course 🌜to score Haas’ first points since the Austrian🉐 Grand Prix in July, running over three seconds ahead of teammate Magnussen in Austin.
Sc🌃humacher was called in for fresh rubber on Lap 34 while Magnussen remained out on track.
This was a decisive moment in the race as Magnussen’s one-stop strategy r🌄e𒊎warded him with a top 10 finish.
On the other side of the garage, Schumacher’s strategy didn’t work out - not for the first time this season - but his race was completely ruined when he sustained damage from the wreckage caused by 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Lance Stroll and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Fernando Alonso.
“I think we were on for good points today for sure, but it seems like we picked up a big p💎iece which damaged the car quite a lot and then we couldn’t extract the maximum out of it anymore because of that damage,” Schumacher said.
“We got it inඣ the second stint and the car didn’t feel the same anymore, and I couldn’t keep the pace of before which was very promising. It’s a shame as it feels like bad luck follows 💮us.”
Akin to his days in F2, Schumacher’s struggles remain in qualifying, however, on race day, he’s ♕often been the quicker of the two Haas drivers.
Things ✱aren’t falling away, particularly with strategy, although Gene Haas has disagreed.
“When Mick and Magnussen came in, they both got the same tyres,” Haas told RTL. “When Mick came out again, he was in a group of cars and stayed with them. Magnussen fell b෴ackwards to save his tyres, while Mick used them up.
“Mick then inevitably had 🔜to come in ten laps later and change tyres, which set him back. Magnussen kept his tyres and was able to complete 37 laps on mediums that no one else managed in the race. That's how he managed to get a few points.”
Who will secure the Haas seat for 2023?
Given Gene Haas’ const✤ant downplaying of Schumach🌊er in the media, it would be safe to assume Hulkenberg might be his preferred choice.
Wꦯhile Schumacher has improved considerably during the🐼 course of the season, the high volume of shunts has put a strain on Haas’ finances, particularly in the F1 cost cap era.
Another factor, 💖outside 🌜of racing, that might put Haas off from keeping Schumacher is the additional media pressure having the son of brings.
Mick’s uncle - Ralf Schumacher - has been vocal in the media, criticising team boss Guenther Steiner on multi♕ple occasions, and things did ge🎐t heated earlier in the season during an interview with Sky Germany.
In terms of on-track performance, Schumacher has pr🐻obably done enough to warrant a third season with the team.
On the other side, Hulkenberg is a🍃 known quantity, ideal for a midfield team🌸 in terms of scoring points and bringing the car home in one piece.
It’s a tough decision for the American outfit.
With a sharp eye for F1’s controversies and storylines, Connor is the heartbeat of our unb💖iased reporting.
