Ex-Haas boss and Drive to Survive star gives ultimatum to Mick Schumacher for F1 return with Alpine WEC debut

Guenther Steiner had sacked Mick Schumacher at the end of 2022 following two woeful seasons at Haas.

Ex-Haas boss and Drive to Survive star gives ultimatum to Mick Schumacher for F1 return with Alpine WEC debut

Guenther Steiner (L), Mick Schumacher (R) (images via IMAGO).

Mick Schumacher had a short-lived career in Formula 1 before being ousted from the Haas F1 team. Schumacher’s lackluster performance was one of the biggest reasons behind his early exit from the pinnacle of motorsport. However, the 24-year-old’s performance was heavily overshadowed by his on track incidents and the pressure of being the son of F1 legend, Michael Schumacher. Mick Schumacher will race for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship this year.

Former Haas Team Principal, Guenther Steiner had signed Mick Schumacher for the American squad in 2021. Schumacher accumulated a total of 12 career points in his two-year stint with Haas F1 Team. Subsequently, the German driver was ousted from the team due to numerous mistakes and costly crashes. The 24-year-old shifted to a reserve role for Mercedes following his Haas exit.

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Amidst the 2024 season, Steiner shared his opinions over Schumacher’s possibility of returning to F1. The former team principal reckoned that his stint in WEC should showcase great results. However, If the 24-year-old fails to perform well, he might never get a chance to race in F1 again. Although, the F1 driver market would open up for 2025 and hence might make way for Schumacher’s return to the sport.

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If it doesn't work next year, it will probably never work again. He has to do his job in the WEC this season – then it can be a stepping stone. You will see how the driver market develops in Formula 1. It is not yet clear whether someone will stop.
Steiner said, as reported by bild.de.

Michael Schumacher excited to make Le Mans debut with Alpine

Mick Schumacher will be participating in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in his WEC campaign this season.. The 24-year-old described his feelings regarding this race. The German claimed that he did not want to burden himself with high expectations for his debut in the prestigious race. 

Yes, I don't really know what to imagine and I don't want to burden my expectations. I just get carried away by the moment.
Schumacher said, as reported by La Gazzeto dello Sport.
Formula 1 Reserve driver Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher (via IMAGO)

Moreover, Mick Schumacher mentioned how others hyped the Le Mans event for him. The former F1 driver added that he was very excited to race in the intense category for the first time. Additionally, Schumacher explained how racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans would be filled with days of Adrenaline.

Let's see how it goes because everyone tells me it's the craziest event that's happened in my career. So yes, I'm very excited, it will be days of pure adrenaline.

As a result, Schumacher’s performance in these categories if equally important for his future in Formula 1. The German driver could potentially enter F1 following the entire drivers’ market being opened up by the next season. Hence, time will tell about how the 24-year-old fares with everyone’s expectations in Le Mans.

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