Schumacher replacement option Nico Hulkenberg addresses Haas rumours

Nico Hulkenberg claims to be ‘optimistic’ about his F1 future amid rumours that he is being lined up to replace Mick Schumacher at Haas. Team principal Guenther Steiner has refused to provide assurances to Schumacher, who is scrambling to put together a strong finish this year as his 2023 seat hangs in the balance. Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin consistently occupied the final row of the grid last season as Haas lingered way behind their rivals. With the Russian replaced by Kevin Magnussen, there was optimism that a fresh start in 2022 would allow Schumacher to prove his worth in a more competitive car. While Haas have managed to hold up their end of the bargain, sitting eighth in the Constructors’ Championship as opposed to last, things haven’t quite worked out for the German. The 12 points he has amassed so far is only half of the haul managed by Magnussen since returning to F1. As such, Steiner has stalled over his final driver line-up for 2023 with Schumacher’s Haas seat the last-remaining position up for grabs. DON’T MISS: Toto Wolff sheds new light on Lewis Hamilton talks as multi-year Mercedes deal beckons Mick Schumacher could be axed from Haas ahead of the 2023 season (Image: GETTY)Outgoing McLaren star Daniel Ricciardo was briefly linked with the potential vacancy but he instead looks set to take up a reserve role with either Mercedes or Red Bull. The key name rumoured to still be in contention is Hulkenberg and he recently gave a brief rundown of his situation. “At the end of the day, it’s not my decision. I’m not making it,” he told Austrian broadcaster ServusTV, via Racingnews365. “There are still talks. I am relatively optimistic, but we will have to be patient a little longer.” Nico Hulkenberg has served as Aston Martin’s reserve driver this season (Image: GETTY)”We will get to a decision, hopefully soon,” Steiner told the Mirror last week. “But nothing is decided 100 per cent yet. We are just going through the last details of what we have to sort out, and then we will make a decision.”It’s a job I need to do. When it’s done, it’s always nice to tick things off the list. When you get something done you can then focus on the next thing. This is an important decision for the team, and there is enough to focus on [elsewhere] to get better.”