'Schumacher was told news of F1 departure in Abu Dhabi hotel lobby'

Mick Schumacher will not be seen in Formula 1 next year as a full-time driver. Haas has decided to replace the German with compatriot Nico Hulkenberg. However, it is now coming out that Schumacher apparently did not hear the news in a nice way. Serious talks about a contract extension were also reportedly never held.

For months, Guenther Steiner shouted that Haas was in no hurry to make a decision on its second driver. Kevin Magnussen signed a multi-year contract at the start of the season, but Schumacher's future with the team was uncertain. Meanwhile, more and more rumours surfaced about other candidates Haas had in mind.

It is no secret that the Haas team boss has not always been happy with the young German's performance. Steiner was often critical of Schumacher to the media. The German Bild now reports that Schumacher's departure happened in a remarkable way. For instance, the Haas driver's departure would have already been an open secret during the weekend in Brazil, but there was no communication with Schumacher about it. Also, there would never have been serious contract negotiations between Haas and Schumacher.

The German medium additionally reports that Schumacher was only told on Wednesday ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend that he will be replaced next season. This happened under strange circumstances, namely in a hotel lobby of the resort where Schumacher was staying. Steiner arrived there to deliver the bad news. Haas has opted for the experience of Hulkenberg, who is returning to the sport after three years without a full-time Formula 1 seat.