Despite a prolonged absence from the Formula 1 circuit, there are still opportunities for Mick Schumacher to make a dramatic return, according to double F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen. The Finnish motorsport legend advocates that the 25-year-old Schumacher, who last participated in a Grand Prix in 2022, needs to focus on networking with the right individuals in the industry to secure a comeback in the 2026 F1 season.
Schumacher’s last race was the final event of the 2022 season in Abu Dhabi, where he finished in the 16th position. Shortly after this race, he was informed by his team, Haas, that they would not be renewing his contract. Following this, Schumacher spent his time on the periphery of Formula 1, serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes and being associated with potential positions at four different teams, Mercedes, Sauber, Alpine, and Williams, during the 2025 F1 season.
However, Schumacher’s dreams of returning to the premier racing league were repeatedly thwarted. He eventually chose to rejoin the racing scene full-time, bidding adieu to Mercedes and signing with Alpine for another season in the World Endurance Championship. Despite the shift, Schumacher’s passion for Formula 1 remains undiminished.
“My dream is my dream,” Schumacher asserted in a conversation with RTL, emphasizing his dedication to the sport. “Whether I’m in the WEC or in a meeting, my focus is always 100 per cent there. However, my dream of F1 continues to live in my free moments when I can reflect on it.”
While some industry veterans, such as Helmut Marko and Bernie Ecclestone, have advised him to give up on his F1 ambitions, Hakkinen firmly believes that Schumacher should keep pursuing his dream. According to Hakkinen, Schumacher’s youth, coupled with his extensive experience in F1 and other racing classes, are all advantageous factors in his favor.
“There’s still an opportunity for him to return to Formula 1. The door is not closed,” Hakkinen stated to Motorsport.com. “He just needs to communicate with the right people. His F1 experience, racing background, and youth are all positive elements.”
However, Hakkinen also cautioned about the high stakes and demanding environment of Formula 1. If a driver makes multiple mistakes that result in damage to the car, it can cost the team a fortune – a scenario that teams are keen to avoid.
During his stint with Haas, Schumacher certainly experienced the harsh realities of this high-pressure environment. After a serious crash in qualifying in Jeddah and another one in Monaco, Guenther Steiner, the then-Haas team boss, was less than impressed. When Schumacher had a third crash during practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, leading to a repair bill estimated at around €3 million for the year, it became clear his position at Haas was in jeopardy.
Steiner, for his part, is skeptical about Schumacher’s chances of a comeback. “It will be challenging,” Steiner told RTL. “If you’re out of the game for a while, and many seats were available this year, it’s quite difficult to get back in. I don’t see him returning to the grid in F1 2026.”
However, with Hakkinen’s support and his undying passion for the sport, the question remains: Will Mick Schumacher make a triumphant return to Formula 1 in 2026? Only time will tell.
