Magnussen double comeback to F1 shows Schumacher should 'keep at it'

Kevin Magnussen says his two exits and comebacks in Formula 1 should convince Mick Schumacher to "keep at it" and fight to return to the grid in the future.

Schumacher has been dropped by Haas for next season in favour of his countryman Nico Hulkenberg, with the US outfit relying on an experienced line-up to boost its results.

While Schumacher's performances undeniably improved over the summer and in the second part of the season, it was too little to late for the 23-year-old German who has now set his sights on a reserve role with a team for 2022.

Magnussen knows all about being dropped, spending a season on the sidelines and then returning to the grid. And the Dane's example is one that Schumacher should keep in his mind.

• Read also: Schumacher 'disappointed' with Haas exit, but 'fire still burns for F1

"It's a double-sided thing, right? On one hand, it's exciting getting someone like Nico in with all his experience and capabilities," commented Magnussen.

"And, on the other hand, I feel bad for Mick, because I know how that feels. And I've been in that situation myself.

"I think he's done a good job this year, I like him as a person as well. It's easy to feel bad for him.

"F1 is tough, but it's also possible to make it back. I've done that twice. I hope he can keep fighting and try to make it back on the grid."

Magnussen was dropped by McLaren at the end of 2014 and returned to the fray one season later with Renault.

He then left the French outfit to join Haas in 2017, but was dropped by the US outfit at the end of 2020, when the team opted to entrust its car's to Schumacher and fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin.

"I certainly know what it's like, in his position right now," added Magnussen.

"But I also feel that when I'm patting him on the shoulder saying, 'Keep at it', then it also has some weight.

"I've come back twice to the sport. I've shown that nobody knows what is going to happen; you can never say never in the sport. So you need to hang in there.

"I like Mick and I think he deserves a spot on the grid. All I can say is, I hope the best for him and I believe that there is a way back to F1 for him."

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