Schumacher’s uncle Ralf sends warning to Haas as Audi wait in wings

Mick Schumacher’s uncle Ralf has warned Haas that there is ‘no alternative’ to his nephew to fill the remaining seat on the Formula One grid. Schumacher’s Haas is now the only vacant seat left in 2023 with Logan Sargeant now set to drive for Williams next season.It is still unclear whether Schumacher has done enough to stay in F1 next season as Haas weigh up their options in finding a partner for Kevin Magnussen. Schumacher finished outside the points once again at the US Grand Prix despite a promising start, as damage to his car derailed his race in Texas. Mistakes have proved a frustratingly common theme for the talented 23-year-old, and he has been urged by Team Owner Gene Haas to score more points. But uncle Ralf has been a consistent backer of the German driver and cannot see a compelling argument to replace him before the new season. ‘Mick has done everything he has to do to continue driving for Haas in Formula 1 in 2023,’ he wrote in his Sky Germany column. Gene Haas and Günther Steiner [Team Principal] will also think about it properly and then realise that there is no alternative to Mick. DON’T MISS: Rosberg puts pressure on FIA over cost cap saga with Hamilton theory Mick Schumacher is battling for his F1 future (Image: GETTY )’Daniel Ricciardo isn’t one and Nico Hülkenberg is more likely to be on the way towards retirement. Based on his performances and improvements this year, you can see how much potential is still to be expected from Mick. Accordingly, there is no alternative to him.’Pundit Schumacher insists continuity is key for Haas and he believes the American team would reap the rewards of showing loyalty to his nephew for one more season. ‘Mick will be entering his third year in F1, the car has been developed very well,’ he added. “Due to the cost cap, the other teams will not make any big leaps either. Continuity would therefore be important for both parties, because 2023 would be the year when you can then harvest the fruits of your own work and celebrate even greater successes together.”MUST READ…Max Verstappen could be ‘easily replaced’ warns ex-Red Bull driverMartin Brundle says Lewis Hamilton can still enjoy ‘glorious’ seasonHamilton and Russell told ‘pathetic’ issue could make win impossible Schumacher has reportedly been in talks with Audi (Image: GETTY )Schumacher’s future in F1 is of particular interest to Audi, who are targeting their entry onto the grid in 2026. German brand Audi’s organisers have made it no secret that they would be interested in hiring German drivers, meaning Schumacher would surely prove an attractive proposition.And a recent report from Sport1 claims that ‘there have already been talks’ over a potential future switch to the newcomers. But Schumacher may only prove a plausible option for Audi if he can hold onto an F1 long enough before 2026. Audi may be waiting in the wings for Schumacher, but he has to rely on improved performances and a show of good faith from Haas in order to eventually become one of their first drivers.