It has been a difficult start of the 2022 Formula 1 season for Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher and even the German media criticized him after the Monaco Grand Prix, which was marked by another big crash that puts Haas in a difficult situation given the limitations imposed by the budget cap. However, several important personalities inside the paddock have rushed to Mick Schumacher‘s defence.
Team boss Gunther Steiner expressed his frustration with the son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher after the Monte Carlo event as Haas‘ 23-year-old driver was involved in another crash at high speed, an incident that broke his car in half during the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend.
Der Spiegel wrote that Mick Schumacher is “conscientious, ambitious and sympathetic, but always at zero points”, while the broadcaster n-tv added: “The pressure is mounting and his future in F1 is now endangered. He no longer has the right to make mistakes if he hopes for a longer career.”
The Cologne tabloid Express even quoted a psychologist that said the kind of “great external and internal pressure can paralyse even a competitive athlete like Mick Schumacher”.
The major daily Bild wondered of the Ferrari junior: “Why does he make so many mistakes?” – but former Scuderia Ferrari driver, a close friend of Mick and also a mentor during his motorsport career, defended the Ferrari junior and urged the media to leave him alone:
“Mick has incredible potential,” said the four-time Formula One champion at the end of the Monaco Grand Prix – “The pressure on him is very high, so let’s give him time to really find his place. Above all, do not suffocate him,” – Sebastian Vettel added.
McLaren British driver Lando Norris was also asked about Mick Schumacher’s incident in Monte Carlo: “The truth is, we were all within millimetres of an accident like that every lap. You drive one bump a little wrong – miss one gear. That’s why that race is so intense,” the McLaren driver added.
Alpha Tauri team principal Franz Tost, who was close to the Schumacher family, shared his thoughts on the matter, stating that he is confident Mick will improve his performances: “You shouldn’t write Mick off too quickly. I keep believing in him,” he said, according to Auto Bild – “Don’t forget that Mick won Formula 3 and Formula 2 – this doesn’t happen by accident. Maybe Mick just needs a little more time, so we should give him that. It’s only his second Formula 1 season and we have completely new cars that are difficult to drive.” – he continued.
Another F1 figure historically close to the Schumachers, former Mercedes chief Norbert Haug, said: “He’s learning. And he’s just trying to get everything out of the car. If you turn in a few centimetres too early, it can have serious consequences. Anyway, the team should stand by him now. If he can un-tie the knot in his system, he will score points.”
The Ferrari Driver Academy member said he is not affected by the media reports and does not feel any increasing pressure after several media outlets reported that Haas is considering a possible replacement for him: “I don’t care about that and I don’t read the newspapers. I remain calm and confident, even though I know that expectations are high and that I will soon have to move up the classification to silence the critics.” – Mick Schumacher concluded.
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