Hülkenberg experiences an unusual career debut.
In the current Formula 1 driver market, there's been a significant amount of shuffling and movement. Michal Schumacher could potentially return to the elite class, despite his ex-employer's reservations. Meanwhile, another German driver, Nico Hulkenberg, finds himself in a comfortable position.
For the first time in his career, Hulkenberg can breathe a sigh of relief about his future – he's no longer worrying about renewing his contract. The Sauber driver found it "pleasant" to be secure in his career, especially since the driver market is in a state of turmoil. There are several vacant spots for next year, and Michal Schumacher has more chances than ever before.
Hulkenberg, who was replaced by Schumacher at the American team Haas two years ago, now drives for Sauber and has several years left behind the wheel. "I'm just watching all this from the sidelines," Hulkenberg said in Montreal. In 2023, Schumacher will compete at Le Mans in the 24-hour race for Alpine, providing him another opportunity to showcase his skills. And with an open seat at Alpine for the next year, he could be a contender.
Bruno Famin, Alpine's team boss, is quite impressed with Schumacher's performance in the endurance world championship this year. "I'm very happy with Mick," said Famin. "I'm very impressed by him, because he's adapted his attitude from the first day to endurance racing. He gets along really well with his teammates. It would be a mistake not to include him on the list."
There's still uncertainty about Alpine's future driver lineup – Esteban Ocon and the team are parting ways after 2022, and Pierre Gasly's position is not secure. This opens up the possibility for Schumacher to return to the elite class.
"It's really exciting," stated Lewis Hamilton before the Canadian Grand Prix at 8 pm on Sky. "No one knows where anyone is going. It's all happening bit by bit." With Hamilton and Hulkenberg's positions secure, the focus shifts to Schumacher's prospects.
Despite his impressive performances, Schumacher isn't the top pick for any team. Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner even advised Alpine against considering him. "Not now, no. I think Alpine needs the best driver they can get," Steiner responded when asked about the possibility of Schumacher joining Alpine.
Former racer Ralf Schumacher applauded his nephew's commitment but believed that he deserved more credit. "I don't know if he's the best in this assessment," Ralf Schumacher said in an Instagram video. "Nevertheless, I believe Michal will be given another chance."
Timo Glock, too, spoke about a potential opening at Williams should a driver like Logan Sargeant be replaced before the end of this season. "He'd be immediately available and is keen to prove he belongs," Glock said about Schumacher's potential opportunity.
Schumacher's constant presence in the Formula 1 paddock, as a reserve driver for Mercedes and an Alpine Hypercar pilot, helps him stay connected. However, his future in the sport depends on being patient and a bit of good fortune. "Of course, Formula 1 is still the big dream and his great passion," Schumacher himself said before the start of the season.
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Mick Schumacher's potential return to Formula 1 adds excitement to the driver market, given his ex-employer's reservations. Meanwhile, Nico Hülkenberg, currently driving for Sauber, watches this situation from the sidelines, having secured his career for several years.
Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner is not advocating for Schumacher to join Alpine at the moment, suggesting that they should aim for the best driver available.
