Schumacher 'disappointed' with Haas exit, but 'fire still burns for F1'

©Haas

Mick Schumacher admitted to being disappointed by Haas' decision not to renew his contract for 2023, but the young German says F1 "is anything but closed for me".

A string of costly crashes during the first part of his 2022 campaign coupled with unsatisfactory results in the back-half of the season ultimately sealed Schumacher's fate.

On Thursday, Haas confirmed the 23-year-old's exit and his replacement alongside Kevin Magnussen by F1 veteran Nico Hulkenberg.

Read also: Haas confirms Hulkenberg F1 comeback for 2023

"This is going to be my last race with Haas," Schumacher commented on social media.

"I don’t want to hide the fact that I am very disappointed about the decision not to renew our contract.

"Nevertheless, I would like to thank both Haas and Ferrari for giving me this opportunity.

"Those years together have helped me to mature both technically and personally. And especially when things got difficult, I realised how much I love this sport."

"It was at times bumpy but I steadily improved, learned a lot and now know for sure that I deserve a place in Formula 1."

Schumacher's options to remain in the F1 paddock appear limited to a reserve role with any given team, with Mercedes often cited as a possible port of call.

Regardless of what the future holds for the young German, F1 is by no means off his radar.

"The subject is anything but closed for me," Schumacher added. "Setbacks only make you stronger.

"My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to return to the starting grid."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.