Mick Schumacher will leave the Ferrari family and seek a steering wheel for 2023

The German driver made the headlines in the specialized press two days after the Belgian Grand Prix. He will be free agent at the end of the season and will be able to freely offer its services to F1 teams. He feels very well that the Haas team will not keep him in 2023.

Despite scoring points in England and Austria, his outings cost the American team dearly, strangled financially by the $140 million budget cap.

Schumacher entered Ferrari’s development program in 2019 after winning the European F3 title. After private trials with the Scuderia and Alfa Romeo Sauber, he finally got a steering wheel in 2021 from Haas, technically supported by Ferrari.

In 2021, Schumacher made his F1 debut, and the car was uncompetitive. But in 2022, with a much more efficient car, he was unable to take advantage of it and only scored points twice in 14 events.

Mick Schumacher injured in Monaco.

Photo: Getty Images/Lars Baron

Haas team principal Günther Steiner, annoyed by Schumacher’s mistakes, has not confirmed his departure, but is actively looking for a replacement.

Antonio Giovinazzi, another member of the Ferrari family and refugee in Formula E this season with Dragon Penske Racing, would be in the running. He was driving for Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2021.

The Italian must drive in free practice instead of holders in Monza and Austin (at the request of Ferrari). Giovinazzi and Schumacher share the role of reserve driver for the Italian team.

Antonio Giovinazzi ahead of Mick Schumacher in Barcelona in 2021

Photo: Getty Images/Bryn Lennon

Mick Schumacher has an ally in the paddock in the person of the driver Esteban Ocon of the Alpine-Renault team who would see him by his side in 2023, in place of Fernando Alonso who is leaving for Aston Martin.

I told the boss that my preference would go to Mick, said the Frenchman in the Spa paddock. Because if he doesn’t find a solution, I would be very happy to team up with him. He’s a good friend. But, I have no say in the decision. That’s just my opinion. Since there’s no signed contract anywhere, it would be nice if we tried to get Mick.

Alpine-Renault is still awaiting the verdict of the CRB, the contract recognition office of the FIA ​​(Contract Regognition Board), concerning the contract of the young Australian Oscar Piastri, member of the development program of the French manufacturer, who would have signed a contract with McLaren for 2023. A decision is expected no later than September 1.

Oscar Piastri will be a driver for Alpine-Renault in 2023.

Photo: Getty Images/Clive Mason

However, the bond of trust is apparently broken between Piastri and Alpine-Renault. And if the CRB gave reason to the French team, it will gladly accept financial compensation from McLaren to let him go.

Despite the opinion of Esteban Ocon, Alpine-Renault would seek to recruit the Frenchman Pierre Gasly to have in 2023 a 100% tricolor shock duo. Gasly is in his last year of contract with Alpha Tauri (formerly Toro Rosso), the second team in the Red Bull family that would be ready to release him with a financial agreement with Renault.

Alpine could also recall Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who raced for the French team in 2019 and 2020. The Australian had decided to move to McLaren in a surprise transfer which angered the French team principal at the start. era, Cyril Abiteboul.

Daniel Ricciardo (right) during the presentation of the French team in February 2019, with Alain Prost and Nico Hülkenberg (left)

Photo: Getty Images/Mark Thompson

The management has changed, the colors too, and Ricciardo, who obtained the redemption of his contract from McLaren, could find in blue the serenity he has lost for two years.

If Alpine-Renault chooses Gasly, Ricciardo could take a year off.

And if Gasly joins Alpine-Renault, Red Bull may want to replenish its pipeline by signing Piastri, unless talks with 22-year-old American Colton Herta, currently in IndyCar, allow him to get the wheel of ‘Alpha Tauri in 2023.

Herta has won seven victories in four seasons, he is racing for Andretti Autosport who has been trying unsuccessfully so far to build an F1 project. Why would Michael Andretti let the Californian driver go while he is working hard to integrate the championship?

Colton Herta and Andretti Autosport in 2022

Photo: The Canadian Press / MARK BLINC

The Liberty Media consortium, owners of the F1 rights, would welcome an American driver on the grid in 2023, as F1 will run in Florida (Miami), Texas (Austin) and Nevada (Las Vegas).

The last American to race in F1 was Alexander Rossi in 2015, when he had competed in five races for the now defunct Marussia team. Before him, Scott Speed ​​had raced for Toro Rosso in 2006 and 2007.

A young American driver makes his way through Europe to F1. Logan Sargeant, 21, is lining up in F2 this season.

American Logan Sargeant, reserve driver for the Williams team

Photo: Getty Images / Clive Rose

He was twice on the podium, achieved two pole positions and is 2nd in the championship standings. He is also the reserve driver for the Williams team.

Sargeant could block Mick Schumacher’s path to the last available F1 steering wheel if Williams decides not to renew the contract of Canadian Nicholas Latifi.

The Torontonian multiplies the underperformance, especially in Belgium, has not scored any points this season and suffers from the comparison with his teammate Alexander Albon, author of four points, including one at Spa-Francorchamps after an excellent performance in qualifying (9th ).

Latifi is on an ejection seat and another North American driver could move into the Williams next year. Unless Daniel Ricciardo surprises us again by accepting an offer from the British team…