“It takes time”: Mick Schumacher rues F1 teams not giving young drivers time to improve following Haas exit

Mick Schumacher was billed as one of the most promising talents in F1 upon making his debut back in 2021. He had just won the 2020 F2 Championship, and spent his first season in Formula 1, comprehensively outperforming teammate Nikita Mazepin at Haas.

Unfortunately for him, 2022 did not turn out to be as good for him. Mazepin was no longer his teammate and Haas had a better car that could compete with the midfield. On top of that, he could not match the pace of the returning Kevin Magnussen who was his new partner on the American team. At the start of the season, he struggled a lot and made multiple mistakes that cost his team both points and money (due to crashes).

As the season progressed, things began to look better for Schumacher. He even earned his first-ever points finishes in Austria and Silverstone, but Haas had already made up their mind about his future. With the team expected to make big strides while also struggling for consistency, they wanted an experienced driver at the helm. Consequently, Schumacher’s seat in F1 was emptied to make way for his experienced compatriot, Nico Hulkenberg.

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F1 teams don’t give young drivers enough time, says Mick Schumacher

Schumacher is just 23 years old and relatively inexperienced in F1. However, his relative success in his junior career suggests that there is massive room for improvement in the future. Unfortunately, he admitted to AMuS that teams don’t seem to be patient with drivers his age anymore.

“Of course, I don’t know how other young drivers have been treated,” he said. “And can only speak from my own experience. It takes time.”

The former Haas driver went on to say how drivers don’t develop much between junior formula series. Young drivers can only get better if they are given the opportunity to drive an F1 can consistently.

“In the junior formulas, there is no further development between teams. There, you feel the improvement as a driver much more clearly for yourself. In Formula 1, the teams continue to develop.”

Mick Schumacher finished 16th in his final season for Haas with 12 points. It is unclear as to where he will be in 2023, but a reserve role for Mercedes looks increasingly likely. The Silver Arrows’ team boss Toto Wolff has repeatedly reiterated his desire to sign the 23-year-old.

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