Formula 1: 3 drivers and teams who control silly season

Formula 1 silly season: No. 3 – Mick Schumacher, Haas

While he failed to score any points in his rookie Formula 1 season last year, Mick Schumacher had quite a few things going for him.

First and foremost, the fact that the Schumacher name was back on the grid was exciting for many fans, given the incredible Formula 1 success of his legendary father Michael.

Secondly, the Haas car was an absolute disaster, so it’s not like Schumacher was expected to contend for wins or podiums or even points finishes.

And lastly, Nikita Mazepin was his teammate, so in terms of 2021’s most dominant teammate battles, you could truly make the case that Schumacher was right up there with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

But now turn the page to 2022. Mazepin was replaced at the last minute by former Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, who signed with the team on a multi-year deal and scored a fifth place finish in the season opener.

Meanwhile, Schumacher has racked up more crash damage costs than any other driver on the grid, and while his teammate is in a 12th place tie in the driver standings, he is one of only two full-time drivers without any points scored through nine races.

While Haas, Ferrari, and Schumacher would all love for this pairing to continue into 2023 and Schumacher does bring significant funding, he needs to step up at some point and prove that he is the American team’s best option — and specifically a better option than any other drivers tied to Ferrari.

If he does lose his seat at Haas, is Aston Martin an option? Surely Sebastian Vettel, in the event he decides that the 2022 season is his last, would vouch for his young friend if it comes down to it.