Steiner explains Haas farewell to Schumacher: 'That's what we want'

Haas F1 will say goodbye to Mick Schumacher after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The young driver is to make way for Nico Hulkenberg, who will return to Formula 1 in 2023. In an interview with Viaplay, Guenther Steiner elaborates on the decision.

The team boss found it by no means an easy choice to make. Although Schumacher started his adventure in the motorsport class last season with difficulty, he managed to develop himself further this calendar year. He hoped to continue that line in the new year, but he will not get that chance.

This coming season, the American formation wants to establish a place in the middle of the driver field and, in doing so, sees more in Hulkenberg's qualities. Indeed, according to Steiner, the German knows better than anyone what is needed in Formula 1.

"We choose Nico instead of Mick because he has driven for a team from the middle of the field many times before," Steiner explained again. "Through his experience he also helps the team move forward. Mick was only driving Formula 1 for two years."

The Italian acknowledges that he sees that Schumacher has developed considerably this year and argues that it is not down to that. "We also want the team to progress and not just the driver," he said. Schumacher himself tells the medium that he understands the team's position, but believes he would have enough experience to appear on the grid in 2023 as well.