Binotto says they are ‘evaluating’ Schumacher
Rumours have previously suggested that signing Valtteri Bottas was done and dusted. However, talking to Corriere della Sera, the team’s COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto, has revealed that Mick Schumacher is still in the picture.
“Definitely, we are evaluating him. I know the merits and advantages of him, he is one of the names we have in mind,”the Italian said, who also worked with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.
So far, he has only received disappointing news as he still chases the Formula One dream. After he was let go by Haas, many teams passed on signing the German, as they all opted for rookies. Getting the Mercedes seat was a long shot, as the Germans opted for their ‘project Verstappen’ by promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli early.
What possibly hurt more was missing out on becoming Pierre Gasly‘s teammate at Alpine, as Schumacher drives for the French team in WEC. That seat was given to their junior driver, Jack Doohan. Then, Williams decided to promote Franco Colapinto after Logan Sargeant was substituted out instead of signing the German until Carlos Sainz joined the team next year.
Why was Vowles right
When the British team principal was asked why Colapinto was chosen instead of the German, James Vowles said the line he now regrets. It was the harsh truth of why four teams had passed on him, as he said that Schumacher is ‘not special, but only good’.
Undoubtedly, a driver has to be special to make it to Formula One, but once you get to the competition, you are evaluated based on how the most special drivers in the world are doing alongside you. From that viewpoint, Mick Schumacher could not leave a positive impression at Haas as other drivers did. Many drivers’ special qualities can shine through even at a weaker team. Sebastian Vetteland Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso. Charles Leclerc at Alfa Romeo. They all left lasting impressions, earning drives at top teams. Even with having the worst car on the grid, there was no doubt that George Russell would eventually get promoted to Mercedes.
