Ralf Schumacher, the brother of seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, believes that if his brother had been present during his son Mick’s two seasons with Haas, then team principal Guenther Steiner ‘would have behaved differently’. Mick Schumacher was axed from Haas at the end of last season after repeatedly costly crashes and a ‘bullying’ storm involving Steiner. The team principal was caught in the most recent season of Netflix’s Drive to Survive calling Mick a ‘dead man walking’ following a crash at the Monaco Grand Prix. Steiner has denied bullying Mick, who was replaced by the more experienced Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season.
Mick Schumacher made his F1 debut in 2021 and received most of the plaudits as he comprehensively outperformed his teammate Nikita Mazepin, although neither driver scored a point. However, Mick struggled against the more experienced Kevin Magnussen last year, scoring 12 points compared to the Dane’s 25, and the frequency of his crashes were costly for the team. A whole episode of the Drive to Survive series was dedicated to Steiner and American owner Gene Haas sacking the younger Schumacher. Since leaving Haas, Mick has been given the role of reserve driver at Mercedes, meaning he could step up into a race seat if Lewis Hamilton or George Russell are unable to compete on a weekend for any reason.
Ralf Schumacher believes that Steiner’s treatment of Mick was unacceptable, stating that ‘everyone has to and can withstand pressure in Formula 1. But that was just too much’. He also believes that if his brother Michael had been present during Mick’s time at Haas, Steiner ‘would have behaved differently’. Ralf Schumacher’s comments highlight the importance of treating young drivers with respect and support, particularly in a high-pressure environment like Formula One. Mick Schumacher’s future in the sport remains uncertain, but his talent and potential are undeniable, and he will undoubtedly be looking to prove his critics wrong in the years to come.
Keywords: Mick Schumacher, Haas, Guenther Steiner, Ralf Schumacher, Michael Schumacher, Formula One, Drive to Survive, bullying, reserve driver, Mercedes.
