Formula 1: The leader of the Shoemaker team responds to criticism

Mick Schumacher (Haas) has no points again at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Williams driver Nicholas Latif finished 14th in the German racing final.

“We expect a lot from hard tires,” Mick admits. “We are not where we should be in terms of speed. The last time was at regular speed.

That’s why Michael Schumacher’s son is happy with the decision. “14th place was really okay, Friday (water leak; ed.) Was already tough after a full weekend with problems. Canada will be a fresh start for me.

However, still in unfavorable circumstances. Schumacher: “Unlike the others, we know our car is not upgraded. It’s not going to help us because it’s too tight in midfield.”

Note of criticism on his team Haas, which is currently compliant. After discussions about his management style, team captain Gunder Steiner also gave an emotional interview before the race.

Compared to Sky Germany, he sought to pick up the pace of the debate. “We are not as bad or inhumane as some would like it to be,” South Tyrolian stressed.

Instead, he sees the difficulty in dealing with the situation in public. “Attempts are being made to split the team from the outside,” he says of various reports by Ralph Schumacher, who sees weaknesses not only in his son-in-law Mick, but on the team as well. Steiner: “It’s not good for the team to be separated from the outside.”

Internally, however, the mood is better than expected: “The fronts are not hard. Most of me and I talked again last Thursday, and we’re right about how to proceed.”

They also apologized to the Germans after a technical glitch on Friday. Steiner: “We are a team. I need Mick, Mick needs us. Only together can we be strong.”

South Tyrolian agrees with his sometimes harsh behavior: “Whatever I am, you will not change me. Great skills must come.” That’s why he immediately linked the question of extending the contract for 2023 with an announcement: “What does Formula 1 need? Points!”

However, for this you need reliable material. Schumacher’s teammate Kevin Magnussen had to stop the second hose in eleventh place with engine damage. Alone: Until then, his lap times were clearer than Mick Schumacher.