Hakkinen sees tricky situation: 'Need to be successful right away'

The Formula 1 world is very tough, as Mick Schumacher and Nyck de Vries experienced recently. Both drivers were quickly pushed aside after disappointing performances. F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen believes that newcomers in F1 are given too little time to show themselves.

Hakkinen takes on young drivers

"It is generally very difficult for young drivers these days. Before, in my time, there were a lot more tests, and the drivers had time to develop technically in cooperation with the team," Hakkinen says while speaking to Sport1.de.  The most recent examples of drivers who were quickly dropped were Schumacher and De Vries. Schumacher was given a two-year chance at Haas, but the German could not do much more than drive at the back in his first year with the US team due to a mediocre car. De Vries was sacked in 2023 after just 10 races, as he struggled to translate his Formula E and F2-winning talent to F1.

"There are practically no more tests. You just sit in the simulator and are judged on it. It is very difficult for the young drivers to show that they are developing and becoming really good. You really have to bring all the different aspects together first. When I joined McLaren, the team gave me time to develop. Today, you have to be successful the first time. If not, you're out."

Hakkinen with tip for Schumacher

Schumacher found himself without an F1 seat in 2023, with Nico Hulkenberg being the young German's replacement at Haas. Schumacher is still active in the Formula 1 world, though, as Michael Schumacher's son was able to take a reserve driver's seat at Mercedes. Hakkinen does have a tip for drivers that have struggled with their form in F1. "Brake later and accelerate earlier," jokes the Finn.