Outgoing Haas racer Mick Schumacher says Formula 1 “is anything but closed for me” after confirmation that he will not be on the 2023 starting grid.
Schumacher stepped up to Formula 1 with Haas in 2021 on a multi-year contract but his future at the team had been uncertain for several months.
On Thursday it was finally confirmed that Haas and Schumacher will part company at the end of the season, with this weekend’s Abu Dhabi finale the last round of 2022.
No seats remain on the Formula 1 grid for the 2023 season but Schumacher says he will fight to eventually make a comeback in the championship.
“This is going to be my last race with Haas,” Schumacher wrote on his social media channels.
“I don’t want to hide the fact that I am very disappointed about the decision not to renew our contract.
“Nevertheless, I would like to thank both Haas and Ferrari for giving me this opportunity.
“Those years together have helped me to mature both technically and personally. And especially when things got difficult, I realised how much I love this sport.
“It was at times bumpy but I steadily improved, learned a lot and now know for sure that I deserve a place in Formula 1.
“The subject is anything but closed for me. Setbacks only make you stronger. My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to return to the starting grid.”
Schumacher is expected to be replaced by compatriot Nico Hulkenberg