Schumacher needs to work his way up: 'This is a godsend'

Haas didn't throw an entire season down the drain for nothing. Already at the first Grand Prix of 2022, it appeared that the American team has done well to focus entirely on the new car. The return of Kevin Magnussen is good news for Haas and for his young teammate Mick Schumacher.

Magnussen a godsend for Schumacher

Despite a year's absence from Formula 1 and only being told a week before the Bahrain Grand Prix that he would be making his return, Magnussen immediately showed what he is capable of. The Dane qualified seventh and finished the race fifth, giving Haas its first points score since 2020. The team's choice to send Nikita Mazepin out the door and bring Magnussen back is working out very well so far.

Former Formula One driver Christian Danner believes that Magnussen is not only good for Haas, but also for Schumacher. "Magnussen is a godsend for Mick," the 63-year-old German tells in Bild. According to him, the German driver needs to assert himself now, in his second F1 season. "Mick has to work his way up and then be up front." Last season, Schumacher easily bossed Mazepin around the track, but Magnussen is of a different caliber, according to Danner.

Schumacher has expiring contract

Magnussen's arrival could also be advantageous for Schumacher when it comes to enforcing a new contract for 2023. After all, his current contract at Haas expires this season. According to Danner, now is the time to enforce a new contract by performing better than Magnussen. "Schumacher will reach a new level with thanks to Magnussen," he said. However, with an eleventh place finish in the first Grand Prix, there is still a lot of work to be done for Schumacher junior.