Consequences for Schumacher | New deal causes long wait for Ferrari drive

Rising through the ranks 

Michael Schumacher and Ferrari are two names that are synonymous with Formula 1. It's one of the most well-known pairings in the world of sport, let alone motor racing. A dream was ignited ever since it was confirmed Michael's son Mick Schumacher wanted to become a racing driver. This dream grew into somewhat of an expectation when the German started racing in Formula 3, and then even more so in Formula 2. 

What’s clear from Schumacher’s career in the junior categories is that it takes him time to settle into the new cars. His first season in European F3 was a tough one, finishing 12th in the standings. However, in 2018 he would improve massively. Locked in a battle with Dan Ticktum for the title, Schumacher won all three races at the Nurburgring before taking two wins and a second-place at the Red Bull Ring. Ticktum had no answer and Schumacher took the title.

It was a similar story in Formula 2. In his first year in the series, Schumacher could again only manage 12th with just 53 points. But in 2020 Schumacher was a different beast. After a frustrating start to the season, Schumacher took feature race wins in Italy and Russia and was clearly the strongest driver in the field. This spell was crucial to edging out Callum Ilott in their duel for the title.

Heading into Formula 1

With those results, Schumacher was able to sign a deal for a Formula 1 team. However, the Ferrari academy driver had to work with Haas who at the time were comfortably last in the field. In his debut F1 year, Schumacher could only compare himself to teammate Nikita Mazepin. Out of the 22 races they shared together at Haas, Schumacher started ahead of Mazepin on 19 occasions and finished the race ahead 16 times. A couple of those were due to crashes in qualifying, and retirements. 

Schumacher certainly demonstrated he had the upper hand over Mazpepin and that didn't come as a huge surprise. Haas have grown in 2022 with the help of new rules and regulations. So far, it looks as though they are in the midfield and Schumacher can really showcase his skills for what once seemed inevitable switch to Ferrari. 

However, that move to Ferrari now seems to have been pushed back. With Leclerc the front runner at Ferrari, it seems as if the man from Monaco will never leave the Italian team. Obviously, things can change quickly in F1 but Leclerc seems to have a tight grip on that first seat. The second seat is now also locked out until at least the 2025 season. If Schumacher wants to progress through F1, he might have to look elsewhere and split his ties with Ferrari. 

Consequences

Carlos Sainz has extended his contract at Ferrari until 2024, making him the 11th driver to be committed for a longer period. That means Schumacher doesn't really have anywhere to go. The few seats at stronger teams that might open up sooner than 2025 already have strong candidates such as Oscar Piastri (Alpine) and Pierre Gasly (Red Bull). If Schumacher is going to want to move up the grid, it looks as though he will have to patiently wait at Haas until he is 26-years-old.

Depending on Guanyu Zhou's performance at Alfa Romeo, perhaps a seat could open up at Ferrari's other junior team. But whether that is a serious promotion from Haas remains to be seen. Schumacher will seemingly have to be very patient with Ferrari or split his ties in the hope of moving up the Championship standings quicker.