Schumacher: ‘I still have a score to settle’ with F1

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Mick Schumacher may be out of the Formula 1 spotlight, but the fire to reclaim his place on the grid burns as brightly as ever.

The 25-year-old, who last competed in F1 in 2022 with Haas, remains determined to prove himself in the pinnacle of motorsport despite setbacks and a shift in career direction.

Schumacher’s F1 journey began with high hopes after winning the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship.

He stepped up to Haas in 2021, where he had the unenviable task of driving underfunded machinery. Even so, he managed to comprehensively outclass his teammate, Nikita Mazepin, showing flashes of his potential.

But the 2022 season wasn’t as kind. Kevin Magnussen returned to Haas and frequently outperformed the young German, while Schumacher’s propensity for costly crashes made him a less appealing option for the cash-conscious team.

By the end of the season, Haas replaced him with veteran Nico Hulkenberg, leaving Schumacher without a seat.

Learning from Setbacks

Since then, Schumacher has worked relentlessly to stay connected to F1. He served as Mercedes’ reserve driver while also dabbling in sports car racing with Alpine’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) program.

However, opportunities to return to the grid have been elusive.

©Mercedes

"I decided at the age of eleven that I wanted to drive there [in F1]," Schumacher told German publication Bild am Sonntag.

"That is still my goal, that series was and is my lifelong dream. I still have a score to settle with Formula 1 and want to prove myself there once again."

Schumacher was passed over for Esteban Ocon’s seat at Alpine, which instead went to his childhood friend Jack Doohan.

Similarly, hopes of landing a drive at Stake – set to transition into Audi’s works team by 2026 – didn’t materialize.

Looking back, Schumacher acknowledged he might have focused too narrowly on his F1 aspirations, and "clung too much to plan A" over the past couple of seasons.

Taking a Step Back to Move Forward

For now, Schumacher has chosen to step away from his reserve role at Mercedes to concentrate on his WEC commitments with Alpine.

The decision, he said, allows him to gain perspective and build his reputation in a different racing arena.

“I want to make a name for myself with my performance in the WEC. I know that I have what it takes,” he stated.

Still, his heart remains firmly set on F1.

"Everyone who drives in Formula 1 has talent, no question about it," Schumacher stated. "But when I look at the grid, I have no doubt that I could keep up. I'm no worse."

Schumacher's journey may have taken an unexpected turn, but his determination and unwavering belief in his abilities remain strong.

He is determined to prove himself and earn another shot at realizing his Formula 1 dream.

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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.