Mick Schumacher (23) is “very disappointed” that he does not get a new contract with the Haas Formula 1 racing team. The racer released a statement on Twitter. It said: “This will be my last race with the Haas F1 Team. I have to say that I am very disappointed with the decision not to renew our contract.” He continued: “Nevertheless, I would like to thank both Haas F1 and Ferrari for giving me this opportunity.” Those years together would have helped him mature professionally and personally. “And just when it got difficult, I realized how much I love this sport,” said Schumacher.

The 23-year-old also explained: “It was bumpy at times, but I’ve steadily improved, learned a lot and now I know for sure that I deserve a place in Formula 1. For me, the topic is anything but over. Setbacks make it happen one only stronger.” He concluded by saying: “My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to get back on the grid.”

The racing team had previously announced that it would not be working with Schumacher next season. “The Haas team and Mick Schumacher will go their separate ways at the end of the season,” it said on Twitter. Team boss Günther Steiner (57) said in a statement: “We would like to thank Mick for his contribution to the team over the past few years. Although we are going in different directions in the future, the entire team wishes Mick all the best for the next steps in his career.”

Nico Hulkenberg (35) was announced as the successor to Schumacher before the season finale on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. He is very happy to be taking a full-time racing seat with the Haas F1 Team in 2023, he said. “I feel like I never really left Formula 1. I’m thrilled to be able to do what I love most again and want to thank Gene Haas and Günther Steiner for their trust.”