Mick Schumacher and Guenther Steiner’s public fallout has been well-known by all in the F1 community. The implication’s of the Haas driver’s name, in addition to the very vocal Steiner constantly slandering it- became a narrative that eventually lead to Schumacher’s exit from the F1 grid. However, in his new book, Steiner delves deep into Schumacher’s problematic time at Haas.
Citing the 2022 Monaco GP as the moment Steiner knew it was time to axe the driver, the Haas boss recounts the pressures he faced by the board over Mick’s seat in the team. While most argue that it was only Mick’s second season in the team, the first with a competitive car, Steiner shuns these ideas with his reality of what happened in the 2022 season.
Guenther Steiner doubles down on harsh Mick Schumacher accusations
According to F1 pundit Sam Collins, in Steiner’s book, the costly crash at Monaco was the final strike on Schumacher’s record. However, the ultimate decision was not just because of Mick wrecking the Haas. Penning his thoughts, the frustrated author begins, “Jeezoz [sic], where do I start?”
Explaining that he understood that mistakes happen in the world of F1, and that it’s not uncommon to find your car in the wall. However, he explains, “The second time it happens you think ‘hang on, something’s not right here.'”
The “sh*t happens” mentality has its limits, as Steiner explained that the impact on points is only a part of the problem; people often neglect the potential threat it holds to the driver and other people involved. Steiner also stated that the reality was that the team had produced a capable car, and was unable to justify Schumacher’s shortcomings with any excuses.
Higher-ups at Haas also sat on Steiner’s head. “He crashed again Guenther?’ the board will say. ‘What’s the point of having a good car when you don’t score any points and keep wrecking them?’”
Schumacher was also blamed for making Haas’ success a double-edged sword. “one of the main reasons for this is that we keep on foking wrecking them, or should I say one driver does. The driver who hasn’t scored any points yet and who is one of only two left on the grid right now.”
Mick Schumacher’s public nonchalance also bugged the team boss, who felt like Mick could never understand the gravity of the situation, or accept fault. ” If you fok up, admit that you foked up, apologize and then try and improve. That’s what he needs to do. Although I’d prefer if he just stopped crashing.”
Grumbling about Mick’s excuses and lack of judgment, Steiner clearly has his blood boiling over the situation. However, it would be unfair to say Schumacher didn’t live up to his name. Having bagged championships in the junior categories, in the right environment, could things have been different?
