Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff criticizes Günther Steiner for dealing with Mick Schumacher. Steiner, in turn, refuses. Ralf Schumacher also feels that public criticism is “superfluous”. The Haas team boss countered with clear words and a conciliatory explanation.
Team boss Günther Steiner has defended his public criticism of young Formula 1 star Mick Schumacher. He doesn’t need advice on his management methods, the Italian told Sky TV in Baku. “I am what I am and you won’t change me either. Stronger guys are needed,” said the Haas team boss. After Schumacher’s serious accidents in Saudi Arabia and Monaco, Steiner warned the 23-year-old to reduce his mistakes and referred to the high cost of repairs. The 23-year-old Schumacher has already completely dismantled his car twice: first in Jeddah, then in Monaco.
“At some point we’ll run out of cars, we just can’t make them anymore,” said Steiner before the guest performance on the Caspian Sea: “That’s why it’s so important that nothing happens here.” In the back of his mind, Steiner primarily had the following race just a week later in Canada and the associated logistical challenges.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had described this on RTL as “completely wrong way” and protected Schumacher. “If you keep teasing him about it, the pressure increases,” said the Austrian. Mick Schumacher’s uncle Ralf also described Steiner’s words as “superfluous” because they “simply left too much room for interpretation”. Steiner countered: “I’m trying to keep the pressure off Mick.” The 57-year-old sees himself misunderstood and the situation at Haas misrepresented. “The division of the team from the outside is not good for Mick,” said Steiner.
The fronts between the top team and the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher are not hardened. “We speak properly, we speak positively,” assured Steiner. After his last qualifying place for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Schumacher was frustrated and criticized the team’s strategy. “I’m annoyed because the situation is a bit stupid,” said Schumacher.
