Haas is set to announce Nico Hulkenberg will replace Mick Schumacher for the 2023 Formula 1 season in Brazil.
The American team has been waiting to decide on next year’s line-up for some time in an effort to give Schumacher as many opportunities as possible to prove he deserves to stay.
“It’s not difficult,” the German said in Austin on what he needs to do.
“I’m here to do my job, and I’m here to do it well. So that’s what my main focus is on and that’s everything I’m in control of.
“I’m just trying to do my best and that’s what I’m here for. It’s just a matter of trying to finish as high as possible and finish with as many points as possible each weekend. So that’s really the target right now.”
But it appears Schumacher simply hasn’t done enough to earn a third season, with Stoffel Vandoorne’s recent appointment as reserve driver at Aston Martin a clear indication that Hulkenberg is on his way to Haas for 2023.
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And just days earlier in Mexico, team boss Guenther Steiner also confirmed a decision for next season was poised to be made.
“In Abu Dhabi, we want to know who will be driving our car next year,” he said. “Then that driver can also complete the test after the finale.”
Commenting on the rumours linking him with yet another comeback, Hulkenberg himself hardly played them down.
“There is still nothing concrete to report,” he told Austrian broadcaster ServusTV. “It’s not my decision at the end of the day either. I don’t make it.
There are still talks. I’m relatively optimistic, but we’ll be patient a little longer have to.”