Steiner: 50/50 decision on 2023 driver set for after Mexico

The son of Ferrari legend, Michael Schumacher, has had an awkward two seasons in F1, irrespective of the bad career decisions made by Maranello on his behalf, and faces the axe at the end of this year unless he can turn things around.

Haas boss Steiner told RTL that a decision on Kevin Magnussen's teammate for next year is still a couple of weeks away: "Honestly, it's still 50 to 50. Nothing has been decided yet. Of course, we will not make a decision between Austin and Mexico, simply because the time is not there. The next time would be the week to Mexico because we don't have a race there and have more time to deal with it."

Steiner also confirmed that talks were ongoing with 35-year-old Hulkenberg: "I spoke to him. I've known him for a long time and now we're talking but nothing has been decided as yet."

Hulkenberg, as Aston Martin reserve, substituted for Corona-sidelined Sebastian Vettel for the first two races this season.

Meanwhile, the Haas team have long complained about how expensive running young Schumacher has been for them, the German collecting a large damage tab in his two seasons; furthermore, next to journeyman Magnussen, Schumi III has not shone enough to convince, despite improving as the season tails off.

However, one could argue that the damage to his reputation is done, and it will take a leap of faith for Ferrari to keep Mick in the seat for another year, as they pay his bills, or alternatively, Williams sign him, as they are the only other team other than Haas seeking a driver for 2023.

Apart from Hulkenberg, Schumacher also faces stiff competition from the likes of out-of-work Daniel Ricciardo and from within his own Ferrari camp, their next hopeful, Robert Schwartzmann who has many important people at the Scuderia talking him up, so much so they are giving the 23-year-old Israeli (Russian?) an FP1 opportunity at COTA this Friday.

Nevertheless, the door remains open for Schumacher to remain according to Steiner, who was asked if a third year at Haas is a possibility provided he brings the required "performance" to the team: "Absolutely. When I say performance, that means for us: is to be scoring points. We've been saying that for a long time. I think we're also very fair. We take our time, we're not in a hurry at the moment.

Ahead of Round 19 of the 2022 F1 World Championship, the United States Grand Prix in Texas this weekend, lies Schumacher 16th in the Drivers' standings with 12-points, ten behind 14th placed teammate Magnussen who is on 22 points.

Mexico follows a week later, with a two-week break before F1 jets to Brazil, during which time Haas will make their call on their second driver for next season according to their boss.