Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher is confident that his results in junior categories and in Formula One will earn him opportunities in the future, according to a team statement. The German driver believes that interest in his career is growing and he is optimistic about his future prospects. Schumacher, who is the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, made his F1 debut with Haas last season and is set to continue his role as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2023.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has expressed his excitement about the growing interest in Formula One in the United States. The seven-time world champion said that American sports fans are starting to catch on and get excited about the sport, adding that it is different from NASCAR. Hamilton is one of the most popular drivers in the US, and has previously expressed his desire to see more races held in the country. [UBS]
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen has criticized the high cost of obtaining a super license, which is required for drivers to compete in F1. The Dutch driver argued that it is not right that they have to pay so much for their license, especially since other sports do not have similar requirements. Verstappen also noted that the number of races in F1 is increasing, which makes it even more expensive for young drivers to enter the sport. [Motorsport-Total]
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has denied that there are ongoing talks with the team to extend his contract. The Monegasque driver, who signed a five-year deal with Ferrari in 2019, said that he loves the team and is happy to stay with them, but he is unsure about what the future holds. Leclerc is considered one of the brightest young talents in F1 and has shown his potential with two wins for Ferrari in 2019. [Sky F1]
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished third in the 2021 F1 drivers’ championship, feels that he has more responsibility to uphold this season due to his increased experience. The British driver said that he is ready to take on the challenge and help the team achieve success in the upcoming season.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has accepted that there are no miracles in F1 from one year to the next. The two-time world champion, who returned to the sport with Renault last year, said that it takes time to build a competitive car and that there are no quick fixes in F1. Alonso will be hoping to help his team improve on their fifth-place finish in the 2021 constructors’ championship.
Finally, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has expressed his support for freedom of expression and religion in F1. The Danish driver, who grew up in a country that values these principles, said that he would like to see them promoted in the sport as well. Magnussen previously drove for McLaren and Renault before joining Haas in 2017. [Sky F1]
